NEW ORLEANS – As part of its emergency response effort, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans District developed a series of inundation maps that outline several possible scenarios as the Mississippi River stages and flow continue to rise in Louisiana.
“In the interest of public safety, the Corps must evaluate every possible scenario,” states Col. Ed Fleming, New Orleans District commander. “Only then are we able to understand the best course of action to prevent the worst from occurring.”
The three inundation maps that are now available to the public outline the following things:
- Map One: The same map released on Friday, May 6th, which illustrates the effect of the Morganza Floodway at 50% capacity.
- Map Two: This map outlines conditions that would result from allowing 1.8 million cubic feet per second of water to flow down the Mississippi River without operating the Morganza Floodway.
- Map Three: This map outlines conditions that would result from allowing 1.5 million cubic feet per second of water to flow down the Mississippi River while diverting the excess water through the Old River Control structure and not operating the Morganza Floodway.
All three scenarios depicted assume that the Bonnet Carre’ Spillway is operating at 100% capacity. These maps have been developed in partnership with state and local leaders and are assumptions based on the best possible information available.
“We have used the best science and engineering available to develop these scenarios,” said Col. Fleming. “They are decision-making tools to help operate the Mississippi River and Tributaries system as we face record-breaking river conditions.”
Public safety is the Corps’ number one priority and people within the following parishes are encouraged to contact their local officials for further evacuation information: Pointe Coupee, St Landry, St Martin, Iberia, Iberville, St Mary and Terrebonne parishes. Public notice of operation and required evacuation would be given through your State and local emergency officials and other governmental authorities, as well as media outlets. Notification would be given in advance with adequate time for evacuation; however, expeditious action must be taken to protect life and property.
EDITORS NOTE: Inundation maps are posted to www.mvn.usace.army.mil and http://www.flickr.com/photos/37671998@N05/?saved=1
Link to a pdf of all 3 maps:http://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/bcarre/nodinundationmay2011allscenario.pdf