Our lakes are filling, so what does that mean for you?

BRAZOS RIVER AUTHORITY

Did you know that often, periods of drought end with flooding?

The weather has been changing, and Lake Granbury is filling up. That's the good news.

The not-so-good news is that when water supply reservoirs fill, the need for gate releases from these reservoirs increases, which means that those living on the Brazos River, its tributaries and reservoirs could see high water flows.

Water supply reservoirs such as Lakes Granbury and Possum Kingdom Lake are built differently than flood control reservoirs like Lake Whitney to the south of Hood County. The physical structure of a water supply dam is smaller, allowing water to rise to the top of the dam's gates. A flood control reservoir has a substantially taller dam structure, which allows for the temporary storage of floodwaters during heavy rainfall and high river flow events. Flood control structures alleviate downstream flooding by storing water until natural high flows slow, and it is safe to release more water downstream.

Part of maintaining each dam structure, and prolonging the life of the dam, is ensuring water doesn't flow over the top of dam gates. Therefore, during times of heavy rain, water must be released when the reservoir becomes full to prevent damage to these vital and massive structures.

What does this mean for those living in Hood County?   

For those living near the Brazos River or a reservoir, knowing when the BRA plans to open gates for water releases downstream can help ensure their safety while providing an opportunity to move equipment or possessions out of areas that may flood. Farmers and ranchers might need to move cattle or equipment away from flood-prone areas. Homeowners might want to move patio tables and chairs settled near the river. Or recreationists might reschedule fishing trips or canoe travel to a later date when flows subside.

With this in mind, for decades the BRA has offered a way for members of the public to receive notifications of gate changes.  

Through an automated system, the BRA can send text, email, and/or phone calls to anyone signed up to receive an alert. Those living north of the DeCordova Bend Dam may choose to receive notice when gates are being opened at Possum Kingdom Lake, while those living south of the dam may choose to receive notice when gates are opened at Lake Granbury.

Individuals interested in receiving notifications can customize when and how often they receive a downstream notification from the call system. For instance, a person can sign up to receive alerts only when 15,000 cubic feet per second or higher is released from Lake Granbury's DeCordova Bend Dam.

The Brazos River Authority will continue keeping its website homepage, www.brazos.org, updated with real-time information regarding the current release rate as well as posting release-change information on its Facebook page and Twitter pages.

Those interested in signing up for the downstream notification call list can complete a form at www.Brazos.org/DownstreamSignup. For additional information, call 888-922-6272.