NEW ORLEANS, LA – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may open the Morganza Floodway, located in Pointe Coupee, LA, as a result of rising river stages and flow rates. The trigger to operate the floodway is when river flows reach a level of 1.5 million cubic feet per second at Red River Landing and are projected to continue rising.
As of 7 a.m. today, the flow at Red River Landing was 1.45 million cfs, and is projected to reach 1.5 million cfs over the weekend. Given current flow rate predictions, which are subject to change, the Corps is anticipating opening the floodway to allow for up to 150,000 cfs of water to pass through the structure at peak flow.
The Corps is monitoring weather conditions and river conditions to determine if operation of the structures is necessary to ensure the safety of the Mississippi River and Tributaries system and the adjacent populated areas.
Release no. 11-069