Army Corps of Engineers to scale back reservoir releases

GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Army Corps of Engineers is starting to scale back its releases from Addicks and Barker dams.

Starting tonight, the gradual reductions will begin, scaling from 13,000 cubic feet per second to 4,000 cubic feet per second into the Buffalo Bayou system by September 15.

As releases are reduced, residents downstream should see water elevations drop gradually.

Residents are still encouraged to stay away from homes in the area until Buffalo Bayou returns to its banks.

The Corps does warn that additional rain before the reservoirs empty could mean more releases would be necessary.

Officials say the gradual reduction of releases from the reservoirs could prevent damage to bridges and the banks of the Buffalo Bayou.

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