NEW ORLEANS – Strong southern winds have increased water in the Company Canal, prompting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District and the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-West (SLFPA-W) to close the canal’s gate Tuesday, March 20th.
Operational procedures at the Company Canal call for a closure of the barge gate once water levels rise above two feet. Closure procedures began at 4 p.m. today.
Closing the barge gate at the canal takes approximately two hours. Upon its closure, water can be pumped around the gate to maintain an elevation of two feet in the canal.
The Corps is working closely with SLFPA-W to ensure public safety. In doing so, the Corps’ Emergency Operations Center will be monitoring canal conditions 24 hours a day while the gate remains closed.
Wind and water levels will also be monitored at the Harvey Floodgate for a potential closure.
Release no. 12-009