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Leon River & Cowhouse Creek Watersheds Flood Mitigation
Leon River & Cowhouse Creek Watersheds Flood Mitigation
Overview
Severe flooding in 2015 and 2016 caused serious damage across Texas, especially in Coryell County and nearby areas. The flooding led to loss of life, destruction of roads and buildings, and financial struggles for many families and businesses. Coryell County has limited resources to address flood issues quickly. Because of this, flood damage continues to worsen with each flood event.
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This project will help communities in the Leon River Watershed (LRW), Cowhouse Creek Watershed (CCW), and downstream areas—including Fort Cavazos and parts of Bell County—prepare for future floods. By creating better flood prediction tools and a comprehensive safety plan, the project will help warn people sooner, reduce damage, and improve water supply planning.
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This effort is a collaborative partnership involving the Texas General Land Office (GLO), Texas A&M AgriLife Research – Blackland Research and Extension Center, American Conservation Foundation (ACF), RRG Professional Engineering, LLC, and the Institute for Science, Technology, and Public Policy at Texas A&M University’s Bush School. Together, these partners bring expertise in engineering, hydrology, groundwater modeling, policy development, and community outreach.
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By combining scientific modeling with on-the-ground community input, the project team is developing flood early warning systems, groundwater and surface water models, and educational programs. These tools not only help communities respond to floods more effectively but also support long-term water security planning across the region.
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The Texas General Land Office provided guidance, oversight, and funding for this study.
Why This Project Matters
Both rural and urban areas in the Leon River Watershed and Cowhouse Creek Watershed are at high risk of flooding. In the countryside, flash floods can destroy crops, wash out roads, and threaten livestock. In growing cities, new construction and increasing populations make flooding even more dangerous. At the same time, frequent droughts highlight the need for better water management.
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This project will give Coryell County and nearby communities better tools to prepare for future floods. By improving warning systems, flood safety plans, and water planning, this project will help protect people’s lives, homes, and businesses from severe weather events.
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Leon River & Cowhouse Creek Stream Gauge Dashboard
The newly developed Stream Gauge Dashboard provides near-real-time flood alerts from 15 stream gauges—8 on the Leon River and 7 on Cowhouse Creek. It also integrates watches and warnings from the National Weather Service, offering a comprehensive view of flood conditions as they develop. This dashboard can be a key tool in helping communities stay informed and prepared for potential flooding.
Flood Safety Resources
Flooding can happen quickly and have serious impacts on homes, businesses, and communities. Being prepared can help keep you and your loved ones safe. Below, you’ll find trusted resources with valuable information on flood safety, preparedness, and recovery.
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​These resources can help you stay informed and prepared for flooding. Be sure to check them regularly and take steps to protect yourself and your community.
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Flood Preparedness & Safety
Ready.gov (Floods)
Practical guidance from FEMA on what to do before, during, and after a flood. This resource helps households build an emergency plan, prepare evacuation routes, gather supplies, protect important documents, and understand how to safely return home after floodwaters recede. Ready.gov emphasizes evacuation planning, shelter options, flash flood response, and emergency supplies.
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National Weather Service Flood Safety
Official flood-safety guidance from the National Weather Service, including flash flood safety, flood watches and warnings, and the “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” message. This is a valuable resource for understanding why flooded roads, low-water crossings, and fast-moving water can become deadly in minutes. The NWS notes that 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult, 12 inches can carry away most cars, and 2 feet can carry away SUVs and trucks.
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American Red Cross Flood Safety
Household-focused flood preparedness, response, and recovery guidance. The Red Cross provides checklists for emergency kits, evacuation planning, safe cleanup, mold prevention, and caring for family members after a flood. This resource is especially useful for families preparing go-kits, making communication plans, and understanding what to do when returning to a flood-damaged home.
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Flood Safety Education & Outreach Materials
Flood Safety Superheroes Coloring Book
A kid-friendly flood safety activity book designed to teach children important safety habits in an approachable way. Through illustrations and simple lessons, children learn how to recognize flood warnings, make a family emergency plan, avoid floodwater, and understand why flooded roads and creeks are dangerous.
Smart Flood Safety Flyer
A quick-reference flood safety handout for residents, landowners, and families. This flyer summarizes practical steps to take before, during, and after a flood, including preparing emergency supplies, knowing evacuation routes, avoiding low-water crossings, and staying informed through local alerts and weather warnings.
Flood Safety Public Service Announcements
Ready-to-use outreach messages for social media, newsletters, websites, and community alerts. These Public Service Announcements (PSAs) help local partners share consistent flood safety reminders, promote preparedness before storms, and reinforce life-saving messages such as avoiding flooded roads and moving to higher ground.
Real-Time Flood Alerts & Monitoring
USGS WaterWatch
A real-time water monitoring tool that shows streamflow, river conditions, and water levels across the United States. Residents can use this resource to check nearby gauges, see whether streamflow is above normal, and monitor changing water conditions during heavy rainfall. USGS WaterWatch displays real-time, recent, and past streamflow conditions, with real-time data generally updated hourly.
National Flood Hazard Layer (FEMA)
FEMA’s official flood map resource for identifying mapped flood hazard areas. Property owners, renters, planners, and local officials can use this tool to understand whether a property is located in or near a mapped floodplain, support floodplain planning, and make informed decisions about insurance and mitigation. FEMA describes its Flood Map Service Center as the official public source for flood hazard information produced for the National Flood Insurance Program.
NOAA River Forecast Centers
Official river forecast information from NOAA and the National Weather Service. These tools help communities track observed and forecasted river levels, understand potential flood stages, and monitor river conditions before and during storm events. NOAA’s river forecast products include river observations, forecasts, and hydrographs for thousands of streamgage locations.
Flood Insurance & Financial Assistance
FloodSmart.gov (National Flood Insurance Program)
A real-time water monitoring tool that shows streamflow, river conditions, and water levels across the United States. Residents can use this resource to check nearby gauges, see whether streamflow is above normal, and monitor changing water conditions during heavy rainfall. USGS WaterWatch displays real-time, recent, and past streamflow conditions, with real-time data generally updated hourly.
Disaster Assistance (FEMA)
FEMA’s official flood map resource for identifying mapped flood hazard areas. Property owners, renters, planners, and local officials can use this tool to understand whether a property is located in or near a mapped floodplain, support floodplain planning, and make informed decisions about insurance and mitigation. FEMA describes its Flood Map Service Center as the official public source for flood hazard information produced for the National Flood Insurance Program.