Phase II Flood Fight deactivated: River remains in Phase I
Published 12:03 am Wednesday, July 31, 2019
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers insignia
NEW ORLEANS – Water levels along the Mississippi River have dropped, moving its status from Phase II to Phase I Flood Fight procedures by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District. The Flood Fight began in late October 2018 when the Mississippi River rose above 11 feet at the Carrollton Gage. In February, Phase II was initiated when the river exceeded 15 feet. On Monday, the river at the Carrollton Gage was 14.68 feet. returning the Flood Fight to Phase I.
Current forecasts show the river falling to below 11 feet over the next 28-days. However, the corps will continue to monitor the river closely and take measures if necessary.
Phase I Flood Fight consists of working with local levee authorities to closely monitor the levees along the Mississippi River. Inspections will continue on the Mississippi River levees twice weekly until the water level drops below 11 feet at the Carrollton Gage.
Flood Fight is a proactive measure that is triggered when the Mississippi River rises above 11 feet. The increased patrols help to ensure that the Army Corps can respond quickly to any problem areas that develop along the levee system because of the elevated water levels.
Levee restrictions during high water
The Army Corps and State of Louisiana have established allowable distances for certain types of work that can adversely affect the integrity of the federal levees and structures. All work that may impact Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) levees, which includes transport of heavy loads over the levee, disturbance of grass cover, or subsurface work within 1,500 feet of the levee, is prohibited when the Mississippi River is higher than 11 feet at the Carrollton gauge in New Orleans. Waivers are considered on a case-by-case basis and are dependent on many factors, including surrounding subsurface ground conditions.
Permit holders are advised to contact their local levee districts for detailed information regarding their projects and to monitor river stages and forecasts by calling 504-862-2461 or by visiting www.rivergages.com.
