Flash Floods:
Coming to a Creek Near You
BY CHARLES H. BOOKER

People around here think they know a lot about water. And, they do for the most part. We use it to drink, to bathe, to cook, and to play with. We use it to put out fires, manufacture products, generate electricity and to irrigate crops.

We enjoy its proximity; barbecuing, picnicking, fishing, skiing, swimming and “messing about in boats” all go better with water. We love to live by it and are willing to pay a premium to do so.

Unfortunately, we also die by it: an accidental drowning here, the less frequent boating accident there or the now more fashionable Jet Ski smash-up. It is all part of the deal we make with water.

However, there is a particularly nasty way to die around here. We are more likely to experience it here, along the Balconies Uplift, than anywhere else in the world. By the way, Balconies Uplift is another name for the Balconies Escarpment. Both are caused by the Balconies Fault, but not to worry since it has not moved in 15 million years. Think of the Escarpment as the eastern “wall” of the Hill Country (a gated community, wouldn’t you know).

Nonetheless, water pouring off of the Balconies Uplift can come as a cool pleasant stream, an inviting river, or even a cool spring brimming with endangered critters. The water can also turn into a raging, frothing monster worse than anything you can imagine.

To see the full text of this article you can buy a copy of this issue at all area HEB's, Wal-Mart's and Walgreen's or call our office at 210-828-4209 and order a copy by mail with a credit card.

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