PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATE: Officials monitor Addicks and Barker dams and reservoirs

Published May 29, 2015

HOUSTON (May 29, 2015) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District and its partners, Harris County Flood Control District, Harris County Precinct 3, Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, the City of Houston and the Texas Department of Transportation, continue to monitor roads located near the Addicks and Barker dams to determine if temporary road closures will be enforced due to inclement weather.

“Public safety is our number one priority as we work with our partners to monitor the dams and reservoirs,” said Col. Richard P. Pannell, USACE Galveston District commander. “We encourage motorists to monitor the weather conditions as they develop and follow the directions of local officials.”

The Corps remains in contact with its partners to provide status updates as the impoundment of rainwater in the Addicks Reservoir could result in flood water impacting State Highway 6 between Clay Road and Interstate 10, which is located inside of the reservoir, and will continue to monitor conditions as they change.

Residents and motorists are encouraged stay informed of impending closures and use the following contact information to receive updated information:

·         Weather Forecast: National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office at http://www.srh.noaa.gov/hgx/?n=forecasts.

·         Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management: Francisco Sanchez at 713-881-3100.

·         SH 6 Road Conditions: Texas Department of Transportation at www.drivetexas.org or toll free hotline 800-452-9292 and Houston TranStar at www.houstontranstar.org.

·         City of Houston Emergency Information: Emergency Information and Emergency Alerts from the City of Houston http://houstontx.gov/emergency.

·         For Flooding, Bayou Levels and Rainfall Updates: Check the Harris County Flood Control District website at www.hcfcd.org, the Harris County Flood Warning System website and mobile website at www.harriscountyfws.org or call the Harris County Flood Control District's Media and Communications line at 281-808-3226.

Constructed in the 1940s, both reservoirs are normally kept dry to preserve their overall capacity to impound storm water and reduce flood levels in Buffalo Bayou. When a rain event occurs, the gates are closed on the Addicks and Barker dams to reduce flooding below the reservoirs. When the downstream runoff has receded to non-damaging stages, reservoir operations resume, the gates are opened, and water is released.

To learn more about the Addicks and Barker Dam Safety Program, visit www.addicksandbarker.info. For more news and information, visit www.swg.usace.army.mil. Find us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/GalvestonDistrict or follow us on Twitter, www.twitter.com/USACEgalveston.


Release no. 15-032