Harvey forces record amount of water to be released from Lake Conroe dam

Just 72 hours into Tropical Storm Harvey, Lake Conroe watershed has received an average of 18 inches of rainfall, forcing the water level to rise more than four feet above normal pool elevation and jeopardize the dam. less Just 72 hours into Tropical Storm Harvey, Lake Conroe watershed has received an average of 18 inches of rainfall, forcing the water level to rise more than four feet above normal pool elevation and jeopardize ... more Photo: Jason Fochtman, AP Photo: Jason Fochtman, AP Image 1 of / 119 Caption Close Harvey forces record amount of water to be released from Lake Conroe dam 1 / 119 Back to Gallery

A record amount of water will be released from the Lake Conroe dam due to a dramatic rise in the water level thanks to Tropical Storm Harvey.

Just 72 hours into the storm, Lake Conroe watershed has received an average of 18 inches of rainfall, forcing the water level to rise 4.25 feet above normal pool elevation, the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) reported at 11:30 p.m. Sunday.

"SJRA operations personnel at the Lake Conroe dam have increased the rate of release to 39,600 cubic feet per second (cfs). This is a new record release rate for Lake Conroe, surpassing the 1994 storm event, which peaked at a release of 33,300 cfs," SJRA reported.

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There's still a tremendous volume of water flowing into the reservoir, and Lake Conroe personnel are working to slow the rise while rain continues to pummel the area, SJRA added.

The record water level for Lake Conroe is 205.8 set back in 1994.

The Lake Conroe dam isn't the only one being pushed to its limit. Rising levels in Harris County's Addicks and Barker reservoirs will force authorities to release water from both dams Monday, which will flow into the Buffalo Bayou and increase the already bulging water levels