Corps begins next phase of inspections along Mississippi River

NEW ORLEANS – The Mississippi River at the Carrollton gage has risen above 15.0 feet prompting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District to activate phase II flood fight procedures. During phase II the Corps works with the local levee districts to conduct inspections of the Mississippi River levees from Morganza to Venice.

Increased patrols help ensure the Corps and levee districts’ ability to respond quickly to any areas of concern that may develop along the levee system because of the elevated water levels. When the river is above 11 feet at the Carrollton Gage all work within 1,500 feet of the levee must be suspended unless a waiver is granted by the Corps of Engineers and levee district. However, when the river is above 15 feet all work is suspended.

Current river forecasts do not indicate activation of phase II will be required on the Atchafalaya, but the Army Corps is monitoring levels on that system.

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