Corps deactivates Phase II Flood Fight

Published Jan. 28, 2019

Corps deactivates Phase II Flood Fight

Phase I Flood Fight Continues

NEW ORLEANSWater levels along the Mississippi River have dropped prompting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District to move from Phase II to Phase I Flood Fight procedures.

This Flood Fight began in late October 2018 when the Mississippi River rose above 11 feet at the Carrollton Gage, and on Jan. 16 Phase II was initiated when the river exceeded 15 feet. Today the river at the Carrollton Gage was 14.6 feet returning the Flood Fight to Phase I. Current forecasts show the river staying in Phase I but below 15 feet through the next 28-days, however, if conditions change the Corps is ready to reactivate Phase II procedures.

Phase I Flood Fight consist of working with local levee authorities to closely monitor the levees along the Mississippi River. Inspections on the Mississippi River levees from Baton Rouge and below on the east bank and Donaldsonville and below on the west bank will continue 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. 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 and to monitor river stages and forecasts by calling 504-862-2461 or by visiting www.rivergages.com

###


Contact
Matt Roe
matt.m.roe@usace.army.mil

Release no. 19-003