The February 1999 Sabine River Flood

On January 29th and 30th 1999 a slow moving storm system dumped 3 to 11 inches of rain across Northeast Texas and Northwest Louisiana. Much of this rain fell over the upper Sabine River basin which resulted in significant rises in river levels along the Sabine River.

The lower Sabine River is largely controlled by the Toledo Bend Reservoir which is managed by the Sabine River Authority. Once the Toledo Bend Reservoir reaches 172.50 feet MSL the spillway gates are generally opened. Toledo Bend Reservoir reached 172.50 feet at 8:30 pm on January 29, 1999 and crested at 173.92 feet on January 31, 1999.

To relieve pressure from the Toledo Bend dam, the spillway gates were opened to release water from the reservoir. This would have an immediate impact on river levels downstream of the dam. The first river gage location below Toledo Bend dam is located on TX Highway 63 highway bridge over the Sabine river near the town of Burkeville, Texas.

River levels at Burkeville began to rise rapidly on January 30th with the river cresting at 47.66 ft on February 1st. Flood stage at Burkeville is 43 feet. Many families had to be evacuated from their homes which were flooded.

The next river gaging location is located near the towns of Bon Wier, Texas and Merryville, Louisiana on the Highway 190 bridge over the Sabine river.

River levels began to rise on January 30th at Bon Wier before cresting at 37.52 feet on February 3rd. Flood stage at Bon Wier is 30 feet. Once again many families were forced from their homes due to the rising water.

The pictures below were taken near Bon Wier, Texas on the afternoon of February 2nd when the river was at 37.00 feet, 7 feet above flood stage.