Corps deactivates Phase II Flood Fight

Corps deactivates Phase II Flood Fight

Phase I Flood Fight continues

NEW ORLEANS – Water levels along the Mississippi River continue to drop, prompting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to deactivate the Phase II Flood Fight. Phase I procedures will continue until the river at the Carrollton gauge falls below 11 feet.

This Flood Fight began Dec. 14 when the river reached 11 feet at the Carrollton Gage. On Jan. 6 the river reached 15 feet and Phase II was activated. Today the river at the Carrollton Gage was 14.67 feet as of 8 a.m. reducing the Flood Fight to Phase I.

Phase I procedures consist of working with local levee authorities to closely monitor the levees along the Mississippi River. Inspections on the Mississippi River levees from Baton Rouge and below on the east bank and Donaldsonville and below on the west bank will continue twice weekly until the water level drops below 11 feet at the Carrollton gauge.



Flood Fight is a proactive measure that is triggered when the Mississippi River rises above 11. The increased patrols help to ensure that the Army Corps can respond quickly to any problem areas that develop along the levee system because of the elevated water levels.

Levee restrictions during high water



The Army Corps and State of Louisiana have established allowable distances for certain types of work that can adversely affect the integrity of the federal levees and structures. All work that may impact Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) levees, which includes transport of heavy loads over the levee, disturbance of grass cover, or subsurface work within 1,500 feet of the levee, is prohibited when the Mississippi River is higher than 11 feet at the Carrollton gauge in New Orleans. Waivers are considered on a case-by-case basis and are dependent on many factors, including surrounding subsurface ground conditions.



Permit holders are advised to contact their local levee districts for detailed information and to monitor river stages and forecasts by calling 504-862-2461 or checking www.rivergages.com.

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