Flood / River
The Brazos River and flooding in Brazos County
The Brazos River has a long history of major floods near Bryan and College Station, and USGS monitors the river's level in real time at a gauging station on SH 21.
The Brazos River defines the western edge of Brazos County and has flooded dramatically throughout recorded history. The 1913 flood spread the river five miles wide west of Bryan and College Station, killing at least 177 people across the Brazos Valley. Major floods have struck the Brazos Valley at intervals throughout the 20th century as well.
USGS monitors river levels in near-real time at gauging station 08108700 — Brazos River at SH 21 near Bryan. You can check current stream height, discharge, and historical records at waterdata.usgs.gov. The National Weather Service gauge for the same location is also available at water.noaa.gov for flood stage information.
If you own or are buying property near the Brazos, check the FEMA flood map for the parcel's flood zone designation before purchasing. Properties in FEMA Zone A or AE may require flood insurance if you carry a federally backed mortgage. Brazos County also requires a Floodplain Development Permit before building in these areas.
Source to confirm: USGS – Brazos River at SH 21 near Bryan