Imagine water levels rising. Imagine precipitation changes. We are at Upper Brushy Creek Water Control and Improvement District Dam 12 near Round Rock. This isn’t just any dam. It is a crucial monitoring station. Let’s delve into its story.
The Upper Brushy Creek Water Control and Improvement District was formed in 1956. It was created by the Texas Legislature. Its mission was to manage flood and erosion control. This was within the Brushy Creek watershed. The district maintains and operates 23 dams. These dams were constructed by the Soil Conservation Service in the 1950s and 1960s. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is now the new designation.
UBC Dam 12, or Upper Brushy Creek Water Control and Improvement District Dam 12 near Round Rock, was built in 1966. It sits in Round Rock. The dam has a jurisdictional area of 3036. Its max storage is 33 acre-feet. The max height of UBC Dam 12 is 33 feet.
The USGS monitors UBC Dam 12. They track physical daily values. They also track unit values. Data collection started on July 29, 2013. It continues up to the present day. Annual water data reports are also available. These reports cover from 2014 to 2024.
UBC Dam 12’s drainage area is 2.75 square miles. The altitude of the gauge is 0.0 feet. This altitude is based on the North American Vertical Datum of 1988.
The mission of the Upper Brushy Creek Water Control and Improvement District is clear. It aims to improve flood control structures. It also seeks to protect public safety. This is done in coordination with other governmental bodies. The district fosters regional cooperation. It also employs cost-effective methods. They want to minimize environmental impact. They value community input. They conduct business with openness.
Tropical Storm Hermine in September 2010 caused flooding. The dams functioned as designed. They experienced only minor damage. A web-based flood monitoring system was useful. It allowed officials to monitor rainfall.
The Upper Brushy Creek Watershed Study analyzes watershed hydrology. It identifies potential flood hazard areas. It proposes solutions for regional flood mitigation. The study coordinates with FEMA. It also works with local governments. The study results will be incorporated into FEMA floodplain maps.
Over $15 million in tax revenue has been spent. It was used to modernize 21 dams since 2003. Dams 7 and 8 are the last two to be modernized.
So next time you pass Upper Brushy Creek Water Control and Improvement District Dam 12 near Round Rock, remember its vital role. Remember that the dam protects our community. It continues to be monitored and improved. It safeguards us from the threat of flooding.