Shady Oaks Blog

Is Your Property in a Flood Zone? Find out!

Probably not, but I found this interesting map of Bexar County flood zones.  It's interactive so you can locate your home and find out here:  http://cip.sara-tx.org/website/cip/viewer.htm

Here is interesting information I found on the website of the Bexar Regional Watershed Management.

What is a watershed?
All of the land area that drains water into a common point, usually through a stream, river or lake. Knowing your watershed helps you better prepare for heavy rain and flooding. To learn more about other frequently used flood and water-related terms, please visit:

www.bexarfloodfacts.org/about_definitions.php

Which watershed do I live in?
There are five watersheds within the San Antonio River Basin which encompass Bexar County: Cibolo Creek, Leon Creek, Salado Creek, Medina River and the San Antonio River. Some of these watersheds extend beyond the jurisdictions of both Bexar County and the City of San Antonio. Click here to learn which watershed you live in.

What is a floodplain?
The area along the edges of a stream or river where floodwaters deposit sediments and that is subject to flooding. Click here to determine if you live in a floodplain.

Why are floodplains regulated?
• Protect human life, health and property
• Ensure that Federal flood insurance and disaster assistance are available
• Minimize damage to public facilities and utilities
• Reduce future flood losses

What is the 100-year floodplain?
The 100-year floodplain is based on a statistical probability needed by the insurance industry as a standard upon which to base policies. Both the federal government and the private sector assist the insurance industry in gathering scientific measurements that are then used to generate a "best guess" of stream flow peaks over a time. All this information goes into a formula/statistical model that generates elevations on tracts of land throughout a watershed that have a “1 in 100 chance (1 percent) of occurrence of flooding in any given year or a ‘return period’ of once every 100 years.”

100-year floodplains are not arbitrary but they are:

• Limited to the “best information at the time”
• Not a determination of where and how frequently actual flood damage will occur
• Subject to change

For more information on 100-year floodplains, click here:
water.usgs.gov/pubs/FS/FS-229-96/

What is a digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (dFIRM)?
The Standard dFIRM Database is a digital version of the FEMA flood insurance rate map that is designed for use with digital mapping and analysis software. The Standard dFIRM Database is designed to provide the user with the ability to determine the flood zone, base flood elevation and the floodway status for a particular location. It also has National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) community information, map panel information, cross section and hydraulic structure information, Coastal Barrier Resource System information (if applicable) and base map information like road, stream and public land survey data. More details regarding dFIRM are available at:

www.fema.gov/business/nfip/mscjumppage.shtm

What is the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)?
In 1968, Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in response to the rising cost of taxpayer funded disaster relief for flood victims and the increasing amount of damage caused by floods. Nearly 20,000 communities across the United States and its territories participate in the NFIP by adopting and enforcing floodplain management ordinances to reduce future flood damage. In exchange, the NFIP makes federally backed flood insurance available to homeowners, renters and business owners in these communities. For more information regarding NFIP, click here:

www.floodsmart.gov

How does development impact flooding?
Human activities encroach upon floodplains, affecting the distribution and timing of drainage and potentially increasing flood problems. The built up environment creates localized flooding problems outside natural floodplains by altering or confining drainage channels. This increases flood potential in two ways: it reduces the stream's capacity to contain flows and increases flow rates downstream. As land is converted from fields or woodlands to roads, parking lots and other types of impervious cover, it loses its ability to absorb rainfall. Urbanization increases runoff two to six times over what would occur on natural terrain.

However, current standards require proactive flood mitigation in order to permanently eliminate or reduce the long-term risk to human life and property and the negative impacts on natural and cultural resources that can be caused by hazards historically associated with land development and urbanization. Because of this proactive approach, there are a growing number of instances where downstream flooding is significantly reduced following the completion of a new development.

How is water quality associated with flooding?
Water may not be safe to drink, clean with, or bathe in after an emergency such as a flood. During and after a disaster, water can become contaminated with microorganisms, such as bacteria, sewage, agricultural or industrial waste, chemicals and other substances that can cause illness or death. As part of its water quality focus in the San Antonio River Basin, BRWM has developed a basin-wide Watershed Protection Plan (WPP). In an effort to enhance the San Antonio River Improvements Project and improve and protect water quality throughout the Planning Reach, the WPP is serving as a guide to address non-point source pollution. To learn more about the WPP, please visit:

www.sara-tx.org/site/water_quality/water_qual_mon/Projects_and_Studies.html

What are the different methods of flood control?
Methods of flood control management and mitigation include low water crossings, enhanced conveyance, stormwater detention facilities (e.g. construction of levees, dams, reservoirs and floodways), stormwater outfalls and property buyouts.

How are Potential Projects identified?
Potential Projects are identified using many sources of data and information, including:

• Hydrologic and hydraulic computer models
• Identified and potential flood damage centers
• Knowledge and expertise of local floodplain administrators
• Reports of flooding problem areas from emergency responders, field personnel, elected officials and community representatives
• Flood Insurance Rate Maps

How will the proposed Potential Projects be funded?
Local sources of funding include the Bexar County Flood Tax and the City of San Antonio General Obligation Bonds and Stormwater Revenue Bonds. Other funding sources include grants from state agencies and funding from federal agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Natural Resource Conservation Service and Federal Emergency Management Agency.

What are the unique characteristics of the Bexar County area that attributes to flash flooding?
According to the USGS, Texas leads the Nation in flash flood fatalities and the state holds about half of the world record rainfall rates occurring in 48 hours or less. The National Weather Service has identified South Central Texas as one of the most flash-flood prone areas in the United States.

Both the geography and geology of this South Central Texas region, which includes Bexar County, allow for the formation of severe storms that can stall and produce torrential rain. For this reason, South Central Texas is called “Flash Flood Alley.” For more information on flooding in Texas, please visit:

pubs.usgs.gov/of/2003/ofr03-193/cd_files/USGS_Storms/floodsafety.htm#part1

What is the flood history of the Central Texas area (including Bexar County)?
There is a long and tragic history to flooding in Bexar County. Below is a short list of catastrophic floods that have occurred in the Bexar County and Central Texas area over the last 30 years. For a full history of major and catastrophic storms in Texas from 1853 to 2002, please visit:

pubs.usgs.gov/of/2003/ofr03-193/cd_files/USGS_Storms/index.htm

• June 30 – July 7, 2002: As much as 35 in. of rain fell during this eight-day storm event. The heaviest depths occurred in the Texas Hill Country northwest of San Antonio, with flooding affecting about 80 counties in Texas. Record flood stages occurred at sites on the Medina River, San Antonio River, Sabinal River and Nueces River. The floods caused 12 deaths and damage to about 48,000 homes, with total damages totaling close to $1 billion. Nearly 250 flood rescue calls were reported, more than 130 roads were closed and thousands of homes and businesses lost electrical power and telephone service.
• October 17 – 18, 1998: Up to 30 in. of rainfall occurred in a two-day period. Thirteen streamflow-gaging stations in the Guadalupe and San Antonio River Basins recorded peak discharges equal to or greater than the 100-year peak and record-breaking peak discharges were recorded at 11 of the stations. Thirty-two lives were lost and property damage was estimated to be $500 million.
• May 5, 1993: Up to 8 in. of rainfall in Bexar County produced large peaks on Olmos Creek and Salado Creek.
• July 16 – 17, 1987: During the evening of July 16th and early morning of July 17th, storms produced flash floods across seven counties north and northwest of San Antonio. Flooding caused tragic loss of life when a church bus filled with 39 teenagers and 4 adults was swept into a raging river. Ten persons drowned and the remaining 33 were rescued by helicopter.
• June 4, 1986: San Antonio reported 6.5 in. during 24 hours. Other unofficial amounts of about 10 in. caused widespread flash flooding. Subsequent river flooding lasted for several days along Medina and San Antonio Rivers. Local damage was estimated at $3 million.
• August 1 – 4, 1978: Rain initiated by the remnants of Tropical Storm Amelia fell over Central Texas with rainfall totaling more than 48 in. near Medina in Bandera County establishing a U.S. record of extreme point rainfall for a 72-hour period. Major flooding occurred on the Medina and Guadalupe Rivers. Thirty-three lives were lost and total damages reportedly exceeded $110 million.

Source: USGS

School Starts Today!

August 25, 2008, first day of school!  We have new families with children who have moved into the neighborhood so please be cautious when approaching the four way stop signs.  It may be a bus stop as is the case with the intersection of Paso del Norte and Encino Grande Street.  It amazes me when I see cars approach the intersection and barely slow down or not even hit the brakes then speed through the intersection.  Those signs are there for a reason.  Please slow down and watch for our kids! 

Brush Pick Up Near!

Hi everybody!  Brush pick up is SEPTEMBER 1, 2008.  I just got my coveted yellow doorhanger.  Don't forget to paint your stumps.  Have a great weekend! 

Snakes in Shady Oaks?

A few weeks ago, our son caught a snake that was only a few feet away from the entrance to our back door.  We weren't home at the time, but he said it was quite a round up as he chased the reptile around our large patio.  Wish I had seen it!  When we returned home we saw the prisoner that was held captive in a deep bucket.  He (or she, how do you know?) was a very annoyed snake.  As snakes go he was a pretty good looking fellow but I am not particularly fond of the critters.  We admired him for a few minutes and released him AWAY from the house. 

While showing houses this weekend, my client asked me about snakes in San Antonio.  We frequently see the little garden snakes and have rescued one from our pool this summer.  I've never seen a poisonous snake here in Shady Oaks but better to be informed.  So here are links to some websites with info on snakes. 

South Texas Poison Center:  http://poison.uthscsa.edu/snakes.asp  Good photos of the snakes you need to worry about and what to do if you get bit.

South Texas Herpetology Association:  http://www.kingsnake.com/stha/snakecall.html#Snakes  What do if there's a snake in your house or yard, volunteer rescue organization.

Let me know if you have any stories on snakes in Shady Oaks. 

Oak Wilt

Since our brush pick up is approaching in September, I thought this was a good time to remind our neighbors about Oak Wilt.  In short, Oak Wilt is a disease affecting certain oaks, including the Live Oak tree that is prominent in our area.  The disease is spread from tree to tree and there is no cure.  It can be prevented by treating wounds on a tree with tree paint.  Here's a good article from the USDA:

http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/howtos/ht_oakwilt/toc.htm

So if you're pruning this fall or hiring someone to do this for you, make sure that tree paint is used on all open wounds.  We certainly don't want to lose all of our beautiful Oak trees  -- we'd have to rename our subdivision -- Shady Mesquites! 

Top 10 Reasons Why I Love Shady Oaks!

Shady Oaks is my neighborhood, hard to find but easy to love.  We are one of those little communities that was founded back in the late 1950’s and used to be waaaaaayyyy out in the country but of course, San Antonio has grown so now we are in a fabulous location tucked in the woods right off of 281 and Brook Hollow.  A little personal history:  My family lived in San Pedro Hills for 10 years and during that time we were very happy.  I always said that if I were ever to move, it would be to Shady Oaks.  Well one day on the way to a garage sale in Shady Oaks, I spotted a little, tiny “For Sale By Owner” sign.  We looked at the house twice that day and SOLD!  So being a resident for the past four years, I feel somewhat qualified to put together this list.  So here goes…..

1. Location, Location, Location.  OK, OK, I’m a Realtor and we always say this BUT it’s true!  The location is absolutely great!  We are 5-15 minutes drive from almost anywhere I need to go in town including:  highly rated schools, great shopping, local grocery store, the airport, parks, hotels, hospital, downtown/River Walk, fantastic variety of restaurants, major freeways and any tourist attraction in town!   BEST of all, rarely any traffic to deal with near our neighborhood! 
2. Charming Older Homes - More Character.  Most of the homes in this neighborhood are 20-40+ years old.  We are definitely not a cookie cutter neighborhood.  Different age homes, different builders, different styles.  Some of the variety include a stucco Spanish style, two story Colonial style, sprawling brick Ranch style, a stunning Frank Lloyd Wright style home and Hill Country Limestone homes.  Some homes have been totally remodeled inside and out and some retain their original exterior.  So variety is the spice of our neighborhood!
3. Big Lots (Not the Store!):  The homes in our area are on 1/2 to 2 acre lots which adds to the variety and the country feel.  None of this “Hey neighbor, pass the soap!” for us, we truly enjoy our elbow room.
4. Deer and Other Critters:  Since we have a lot of areas for water runoff that are wooded, we have an abundance of deer and other woodland creatures. I’ve seen raccoons, skunks, possums, hawks, coyotes and the always lovable vultures.  Last spring, a Cardinal built a nest inside the top of my patio umbrella.  We watched the whole cycle from nest building, to egg laying, hatching, feeding and the birds leaving the nest, all from the comfort of our patio chairs below!  Some folks feed the deer, we’ve seen quite a few fawns recently and they are just adorable to watch.  Kids just love visiting us, it’s like a stay at the petting zoo.
5. Country Living in the City!  This neighborhood is very wooded, most homes enjoying the shade of many Live Oaks and a variety of other trees.  Some are very large and probably more than 100 years old.  Also, it’s dark here at night, although we have some street lights, there aren’t too many, I enjoy the darkness, not a big old light blaring in your windows at night.  It’s quiet, although being in the middle of the city, we do hear some noises like sirens if they’re close but mostly we hear the crickets and cicadas.  My home faces a wooded water run off drainage area.  So I am not looking at another neighbor’s house, I look at trees!  There are several of these run off areas and other neighbors are as fortunate as I am.
6. Great Schools Nearby:  We’re in the highly rated Northeast Independent School District, with the schools being Coker, Bradly and Churchill.  Quite a few kids in the neighborhood walk to Bradley since it is located directly behind the neighborhood, Coker Elementary is just a few minutes drive away and Churchill is serviced by the district bus. 
7. Great Neighbors!  Many of the neighbors are the original residents!  As I say, once you live in Shady Oaks, you don’t leave!  I’ve had the privilege to meet many of the older neighbors who built their home here.  It’s great to hear their stories of how the city has grown around Shady Oaks.   
8. No Mandatory HOA:  Our Homeowners Association is voluntary, with whopping $15 per year dues.  Quite a few people I’ve met as a real estate agent have told me they love the idea of no HOA and it seems to work well for us.  Our HOA does meet quarterly and have recently done some improvements such as sign repair and speed bumps but overall we’re pretty much on our own.
9. Walkers, Joggers and Cyclists Love Us!  Because we seem so rural and there are lots of trees and hilly streets, our area is very popular with walkers, joggers and bicyclists.  When I go walking, I get to meet my neighbors and folks from nearby neighborhoods as well.  I then meet these same people at my open houses in Shady Oaks, they know how great this area is and want to live in here!
10. Great Resale Value:  Although nobody has a crystal ball to know what the future will hold, this neighborhood has been very sought after in the past years because of all of the reasons listed above.  Houses typically don’t stay on the market very long, some selling in days.  Even in this recent challenging real estate market, houses in this neighborhood have sold relatively quickly.  I have a list of folks wanting to live in Shady Oaks and they are set up on email notification anytime something comes up for sale in this neighborhood.  It’s nice to be popular!