Corps begins next phase of inspections along Mississippi River

Corps begins next phase of inspections along Mississippi River

NEW ORLEANS – The Mississippi River at the Carrollton Gage has risen to 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 daily inspections of the Mississippi River levees.

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 Gauge all work within 1500 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.

The National Weather Service’s latest forecast shows the river remaining above 15 feet through Jan. 25; however, river conditions are changing daily and may result in extending the flood fight inspections.

This Phase II activation applies to levees along the Mississippi River from Baton Rouge to Venice. Additionally, current river conditions require activating of Phase II inspections on the lower Atchafalaya River today and the upper Atchafalaya Jan. 17.

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