Introduction
Past Floods in the
Lower Mississippi Valley
The Great Flood of 1927
The MR&T Project
Spillway Site Selection
Design Advances
Spillway Operation
Spillway Operational Effects
Natural Resource Values
Environmental Values
Cultural Resource Values
Recreational Values
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Earlier studies to determine the best location for a spill way along the lower river had identified one at the site of the 19th century Bonnet Carre' Crevasse, about 33 river miles above New Orleans. Between 1849 and 1882, four major crevasses had occurred at this location. In fact, during the flood of 1849, a 7,000-foot-wide crevasse at Bonnet Carre' flowed for more than six months.
| Between 1849 and 1882, the Bonnet Carre' crevasses left a large fan-shaped imprint on the landscape. |
Several problems confronted the Corps of Engineers in designing a controlled spillway to divert a portion of the Mississippi River's flood flows to Lake Pontchartrain. The most critical concern was the possibility that the river might cut a channel through the spill way and thereby divert its course. Also of concern were the poor foundation conditions at the site -- would they support the massive concrete structure?
Contact
Kathy Gibbs, CEMVN-PA
Chief, Public Affairs Office
New Orleans, LA
504-862-2201
Kathy.Gibbs@usace.army.mil
Updated May 18, 2005
