Lake Conroe Closed: Level Continues to Rise - UPDATE

CONROE, TX -- 8pm UPDATE

With the continued release of water from the Lake Conroe Dam by the SJRA, and the lake level now near 204 ft., a full 3 feet above full pool. The high water levels in the SJR West Fork continue to increase as well, now involving McDade Estates and McDade Park, where flooding persists on both sides of the river at FM 2854. Steve Owens Road, just West of the park is now impassable, with some residents in the backstreet of Garden West now finding themselves completely cut-off from 2854, with the high likelihood that some homes may take on water as early as tonight.

Other closures in different parts of Montgomery County include:

Some of the roads are closed while others are partially closed.

- 100 Block of Fish Creek Thoroughfare North Bound Lane
- 17600 Block of Mt Zion Road
- 16300 Block of Rogers Road
- Johnson Road at FM 1486
- 18400 Block of FM 149 at Little Lake Creek
- County Line at Caney Creek
- Milmac at Caney Creek (Bridge Closed)
- 10200 Block of South Williams
- 33400 Block of Wright Road
- Billinoski Road

From one end of Lake Conroe to the other, the shoreline continues to be inundated with seemingly endless bands of rain, in what appears to have Texas embraced in its own little Monsoon season. As of 5pm on Wednesday, the Lake Level is 203.80 ft. almost three feet above full pool. As the heavy rains keep arriving across the watershed, the inflows into the lake have no choice but to increase. San Jacinto River Authority operations staff continue to monitor the changes to the lake, and make adjustments as needed to offset the new flows into the lake, while monitoring SJR West Fork downstream flows in an effort to regain normal lake level at 201 ft.

SJRA will continue to monitor the weather forecast and lake level very closely, and make necessary announcements to the public, on a period basis as they are warranted. As of 6pm, the release of water from the Lake Conroe Dam is 16,525 CFS. Lake Houston released water before the deluge began, so they are building back up as of now.

Earlier today, SJRA and Montgomery County Constable Precinct 1 announced that Lake Conroe is temporarily closed due to high lake levels. With the lake above full pool, numerous docks, bulkheads, small islands, and other structures are fully submerged and can create a dangerous situation for boaters. In addition, high winds and rapidly-flowing water from local streams can result in a large amount of floating debris on the reservoir. With bulkheads becoming submerged, lake area residents should also be cautious of electrical outlets and equipment coming into contact with water.

For real-time information on Lake Conroe levels, releases, rainfall totals, or stream flows visit www.SJRA.net.

Ruben can be reached at: ruben@montgomerycountynews.net

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