Author: FBCMUD 046

As of 9:15 AM on May 20, 2024, the Brazos River in Richmond is in Action Stage and is currently at Gage Elevation 44.52 feet. The WGRFC forecast is showing the Brazos River through Richmond peaking just above Minor Flood Stage at Gage Elevation 45.20. This is approximately 0.5 feet lower than the peak last week. Below is a summary of the gages downstream of Hempstead.

The NWS forecast is calling for hot and humid conditions throughout the week as the lower Brazos River Watershed experiences an extended period of sunny to partly cloudy skies with low rain chances. The 7-Day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF) is showing the lower Brazos River Watershed receiving less than ¼ inch of rain over the next 7 days. Based  on the current forecast, no major flooding due to the Brazos River through Fort Bend County is anticipated.

District personnel will continue to monitor forecasts and conditions within the District while the Brazos River continues to be elevated; however, activity around the Pump Station should generally return to more routine operations. If residents have any concerns or questions, please contact the District at https://www.fbcmud46.org/contact/.

As of 8:15 AM on May 9, 2024, the Brazos River in Richmond is in Action Stage and is currently at Gage Elevation 43.82 feet and rising. According to the 8:52 AM forecast, the WGRFC anticipates the Brazos River cresting around Gage Elevation 45.2 feet on Saturday. This puts the Brazos River through Richmond slightly above Minor Flood Stage. Looking further upstream, the Hempstead Gage should crest today. It is currently at Gage Elevation 46.52 with a forecast crest of 46.9. The San Felipe Gage should crest on Friday. It is currently at Gage Elevation 117.71 with a crest of 118.8’. Based on the forecasts, areas along the Brazos River through Fort Bend County could see another 1 to 2 feet of rise through Sunday before water levels start to fall. Please note due to the hydraulics of the Brazos River and the distance between forecast points, some areas could see slightly less or slightly more than this estimate.

As mentioned yesterday, while the Brazos River is elevated, we focus even more on our rain chances as low areas and drainage facilities could have reduced capacity. Conditions continue to support the risk for heavy rainfall starting Sunday afternoon into Monday. This morning’s forecast shows the heaviest rain potentially along and north of I-10, but everyone should continue to monitor forecasts as we approach Sunday. Final locations and amounts could vary. As of this morning, the Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF) is showing the lower Brazos River Watershed receiving between 1 to 3 inches of rain over the next 7 days. The majority of this could occur Sunday into Monday. Based on the current forecast, no major flooding due to the Brazos River through Fort Bend County is anticipated; however low laying areas could be impacted.

Based on the current forecast, the District does not anticipate emergency operations; however, the District’s team is continuing to monitor conditions along the Brazos River and within the District and is ready to respond as needed. Please note, forecasts and conditions can change. Everyone is encouraged to stay weather aware by following their favorite local weather source, including the National Weather Service and the West Gulf River Forecast Center. If you have not ready done so, please remember to sign up for Emergency Updates from Fort Bend County.

As of 8:15 AM on May 7, 2024, the Brazos River in Richmond is in Action Stage and is currently at Gage Elevation 41.2 feet and rising. According to the 8:28 AM forecast, the WGRFC anticipates the Brazos River reaching Gage Elevation 44.8 feet around Sunday. The current forecast does show this potentially being the crest. We will continue to monitor the upstream conditions and their impacts on the forecast. Rain chances across the Lower Brazos River Watershed are low for the majority of the week. The Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF) is showing the lower Brazos River Watershed receiving less than 0.25 inch of rain over the next 7 days. As we approach the weekend, our focus will be on our rain chances for the following week while the Brazos River is elevated. The confidence is currently low, but the extended forecast does show rain for the majority of next week.

Based on the current forecast, the District does not anticipate emergency operations; however, the District’s team is continuing to monitor conditions along the Brazos River and within the District and is ready to respond as needed. Please note, forecasts and conditions can change. Everyone is encouraged to stay weather aware by following their favorite local weather source, including the National Weather Service and the West Gulf River Forecast Center. If you have not ready done so, please remember to sign up for Emergency Updates from Fort Bend County.