NEW ORLEANS -- Water 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 year’s flood fight began Feb. 24 when the Mississippi River rose above 11 feet at the Carrollton Gage. In late March flood fight activities were suspended as river levels dropped. On April 14 flood fight was reactivated and then on April 22, the current period of Phase II was initiated when the river exceeded 15 feet at the Carrollton Gage. Though currently lowered to Phase I, the Corps will continue to monitor the river and forecasts closely and take appropriate measures if necessary.
Phase I flood fight consists of working with local levee authorities to closely monitor the levees along the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers through twice weekly inspections. Flood fight is a proactive measure to help ensure that the Corps of Engineers 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 Gage in New Orleans. Waivers are considered on a case-by-case basis and are dependent on many factors, including surrounding subsurface ground conditions.
Release no. 25-013