Dams Do Not Prevent All Flooding

Dams Do Not Prevent All Flooding

The dams are regional scale flood mitigation structures that are designed to capture and slowly release runoff at a rate that area waterways can safely handle. Flooding can still occur in watersheds that are dam controlled especially in those that have experienced significant increased development since the dams were built. Additional development, such as new subdivisions and businesses, increase both the volume and velocity of runoff going to the dam. Updated climate and rainfall data show that more intense storms will continue to test the older dams capacity to slow the floodwaters.There can always be storm bigger than the dam can handle. Additionally, not all waterways have dams. Flooding can often occur in areas and along waterways not controlled by dams. 

You should know if part of your property or your commute is located in the floodplain. Remember flooding can and will occur outside of mapped floodplains. You should always have a plan. Check out NOAA’s Flood Safety Brochure and the information below to see what you should do before, during, and after a flood. During events, you can monitor the District’s Flood Monitoring Map. The interactive map with data from our gage network including reservoir elevation and precipitation at each dam and stream stages at key locations. Another great resource in our region is ATXFLoods.com to stay informed about area road closures.