NEW ORLEANS – Strong southern winds have increased water in the Company Canal, prompting the Southeast Levee Flood Authority-West (SLFPA-W) to request assistance from the Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, in closing the canal’s gate Wednesday, April 27th.
At the Company Canal, water levels rose to 2.4 feet, triggering the closure, which occurred at 2 p.m.
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 increase public safety to local homes and businesses. 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. 11-081