Study Finds Structural Issues at Bear Branch Dam; Repairs May Not Happen Until 2029

The recent assessment indicates that the dam in The Woodlands has structural deficiencies that could lead to a catastrophic failure; however, township officials believe that the timeline for repairs, which is not expected to be completed until 2029, is too lengthy.

The Bear Branch Dam, constructed in 1984, is a vital component of the Bear Branch Detention System, designed to manage flooding across multiple drainage routes in The Woodlands. Officials from the San Jacinto River Authority, the entity responsible for owning and operating the system, acknowledged the problems but asserted that the dam is secure.

“We conduct regular dam inspections along with ongoing maintenance and monitoring,” stated Heather Ramsey, communications director of SJRA. “A consultant conducts an inspection every five years, as mandated by TCEQ, and we execute necessary repairs to uphold the dam's integrity.”

Concerns arose during a township board meeting last week when SJRA officials revealed that gaps beneath the dam's concrete slab permit water to infiltrate the joints—an issue that has persisted for decades. If enough pressure builds up, the slab may shift, potentially leading to the dam's failure.

A May research project projected that 37 inches of rainfall would be required to induce such a breach, exceeding the 17 inches delivered by Hurricane Harvey to the region. However, township authorities expressed their concern.

“This is a matter of life and death,” stated Chairman Brad Bailey. “This is frightening material.”

Bailey stated that SJRA is approximately $2 million short of the necessary financing for a two-phase repair initiative to replace both the service and emergency spillways. The authority is collaborating with federal, state, and local entities, including The Woodlands Water Agency and regional municipal utility districts, to secure funding. A federal commitment has been made to subsidize a portion of the expense.

Bailey deemed the 2029 schedule “unacceptable” and implored state leaders, particularly Senator Brandon Creighton, to advocate for expedited action from the Texas Water Development Board.

As stated by SJRA operations director Ed Shackelford, the retention system safeguards adjacent neighborhoods by directing water through Bear Branch, Panther Branch, and Alden Branch. Should the dam fail, the ensuing water discharge might obliterate downstream residential zones.

“If unaddressed, the issues will lead to ongoing deterioration, potentially resulting in the uncontrolled release of the reservoir,” Shackelford cautioned.

The dam is now functioning under supervision and upkeep. Officials and people are apprehensive about the hazards associated with postponing permanent repairs for several years.

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