Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers begin to drop, deactivating flood fight

Published Dec. 3, 2009

All permitted work along the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers may resume today after the water level dropped below 11 feet at the Carrollton Gage and flood fight operations ceased.

On Nov. 5, 2009, the Corps activated phase I as a proactive measure when the Mississippi River reached 11 feet and was forecast to continue to rise. In addition, restrictions were placed on all construction activity near the river levees and floodwalls in accordance with their respective permits.

Typically, high water season occurs in the spring, but heavy rainfall in the Mississippi River valley this fall slowly increased water levels. Although the rivers are still significantly above average, they are now beginning to drop. The water level at the Carrollton Gage as of 2:00 PM today is 10.4 feet.

Release no. 09-017