USACE announced plans for Addicks and Barker Releases at local press conference

Published Sept. 5, 2017
Col. Lars Zetterstrom, Galveston District commander, briefs local and national media here on the plan to gradually reduce releases from Addicks and Barker dams, which began yesterday.

GALVESTON, Texas – Col. Lars Zetterstrom, Galveston District commander, briefs local and national media here on the plan to gradually reduce releases from Addicks and Barker dams, which began on September 3, 2017. The reductions will take place until approximately September 15, 2017. (U.S. Army photo/Patrick Bloodgood)

Users can use this GIS based product to assist in seeing where floodwaters will recede from in the coming days. This map has been compiled using the best information available and is believed to be accurate; however, its preparation required many assumptions. It may or may not accurately reflect existing conditions.

This data/map was created on 09/05/2017 by USACE using the best available data at the time. This map has been compiled using the best information available and is believed to be accurate; however, its preparation required many assumptions. Actual conditions during a flood event may vary from those assumed, so the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The limits of flooding shown should only be used as a guideline for emergency planning and response actions. Actual areas inundated will depend on specific flooding conditions and may differ from the areas shown on the map. It may or may not accurately reflect existing conditions.

GALVESTON, Texas  – The Corps of Engineers conducted a press conference to inform the public about the gradual reduction in releases from Addicks and Barker dams which began Sunday.  The reductions will take place until approximately September 15.

Galveston District Commander, Col. Lars Zetterstrom, during remarks at the press conference, stated, “As water is drawn down in the reservoirs, the Corps expects water levels in areas flooded upstream of the reservoirs to recede.”  Downstream homeowners will see a very gradual decrease in water elevations as releases are reduced as well.” 

Zetterstrom cautioned everyone that if the area experiences more rainfall before the reservoirs are empty, higher releases may become necessary again. Therefore, your local emergency management agencies may encourage you to stay out of flooded areas until Buffalo Bayou is within its banks.

“After careful deliberation, we developed a plan to draw down water in a manner that minimizes risk for the maximum amount of people,” said Zetterstrom.

The Corps makes daily coordination calls with local government and stakeholders.

“We continue to work closely with our partners - the city of Houston, Fort Bend County, Harris County and the Texas Department of Public Safety, to provide them with the most current information available so they can make informed decisions,” said Zetterstrom.

During the press conference, the Corps showed a video depicting the inundation at the onset of the storm through September 4, and what the Corps anticipates will happen with the gradual reductions in releases through September 15. 

The video can be seen at the link below along with a story map, used by first responders to determine where flood waters may be in rescue operations. 

http://ceswg.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=c0f618733c7b45709232f52c14f608df 

-#-


Contact
Randy Cephus
1 (800) 483-0010

Release no. 17-037