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re: Mississippi River Flooding - Links & Pictures in 1st Post
Posted on 5/12/11 at 7:46 am to LSshoe
Posted on 5/12/11 at 7:46 am to LSshoe
And just think that is a fraction of the river coming through there and I didn't realize that the structure was that narrow at the mouth of the Atchafalaya. Thanks for posting that video was incredible 
1
Posted on 5/12/11 at 7:55 am to Bowe Knows
quote:
A couple of barges of grain smashing into a saturated levee about 2-3 feet from the top can cause the Mississippi to start running through anywhere. If that happens in Vacherie, the Mississippi would run down through Thibodaux and then through Houma.
Disagree. If the levee busts on the west bank of the river parishes it woldnt make it to bayou Lafourche. If you look at the map there's a trough straight to the gulf following the swamp between vacherie and Thibodaux heading south through lake des allemands then salvador then through barataria.
Posted on 5/12/11 at 9:12 am to LSshoe
Thx for the pics & video! You plan on taking any more in the coming days/weeks?
Posted on 5/12/11 at 9:47 am to LSshoe
Looks like a good place to drop in a whitewater kayak.
Great pics, thanks for the vid.
Great pics, thanks for the vid.
This post was edited on 5/12/11 at 9:48 am
Posted on 5/12/11 at 9:59 am to tetu
quote:
Looks like a good place to drop in a whitewater kayak.
You could probably make it to damn near Morgan city in a day or so
Posted on 5/12/11 at 10:06 am to bayoudude
quote:
And just think that is a fraction of the river coming through there and I didn't realize that the structure was that narrow at the mouth of the Atchafalaya. Thanks for posting that video was incredible
no problem. I doubt I get any more pics, though. Its about a 45 minute drive from where my parents live (New Roads), which is about 45 minutes from where I'm at now (Baton Rouge), though I just finished with finals so I guess its possible.
btw, thats only one of the structures, the old one. There is another one that is around the same size, another really small one (i forget teh name but its similar to teh BC spillway in setup, but only a few units wide. There was barely any water coming through that one (intentionally). Theres also the hydroelectric plant. So all of those are passing water. I just got good pictures of that one.
ETA:
btw, those pics were taken tuesday (5/10). also I have one decent pic of the hydroelectric plant if yall are interested, just not that dramatic of flow. Sorry no pics of the other structures
This post was edited on 5/12/11 at 10:10 am
Posted on 5/12/11 at 10:24 am to bayoudude
quote:
You could probably make it to damn near Morgan city in a day or so
Reminds me of teh article in DIG. These two clowns are kayaking the whole miss river in like 3 or 4 days as a fundraiser.
I never understood kayaking, running, swimming, etc to raise money.
Posted on 5/12/11 at 11:44 am to LSshoe
Damn that thing is rolling.
Posted on 5/12/11 at 12:38 pm to kfizzle85
I passed on the I-10 over the Bonnet Carrie today. The water was very close to the top of the east side spillway levee that runs betweeen the river and the lake where the I-10 passes over it. I'd say 2-3 feet. At first I was kind of shocked. But then I realized that the levee ended not to far further north where the spillway opened into the lake anyway so I don't think it would even matter if the levee was overtopped right there.
Posted on 5/12/11 at 12:45 pm to Methuselah
quote:
I passed on the I-10 over the Bonnet Carrie today. The water was very close to the top of the east side spillway levee that runs betweeen the river and the lake where the I-10 passes over it. I'd say 2-3 feet. At first I was kind of shocked. But then I realized that the levee ended not to far further north where the spillway opened into the lake anyway so I don't think it would even matter if the levee was overtopped right there
probably would be a good thing if the levees were overtopped in that area...the la branche wetlands could use the fresh water and sediment...
Posted on 5/12/11 at 12:54 pm to vl100butch
quote:
probably would be a good thing if the levees were overtopped in that area...the la branche wetlands could use the fresh water and sediment...
I wonder what effect it will have on the pelicans and bald eagles that have been comming back in that area pretty good lately.
Posted on 5/12/11 at 3:26 pm to Methuselah
To: LSU Faculty, Staff and Students
From: Mike Martin, Chancellor
As the level of the Mississippi River continues to rise, I want to assure our LSU community that all hands are on deck as far as campus safety precautions and preparations are concerned. As of now, we are being informed that the river is scheduled to crest between 47.5 feet and 48 feet on May 22 – a level that should not surpass our levee system capabilities; however, our Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains on alert, monitoring river levels, campus elevations and associated areas of concern. We anticipate that the Morganza Spillway will open Saturday, May 14, or sometime shortly thereafter, which should alleviate some concerns for the university area.
Of most immediate concern for LSU is seepage, which occurs regularly on campus due to our proximity to the river, particularly in those facilities west of Nicholson Drive. Facility Services is continuously assessing seepage points on campus, although nothing unusual has been reported at this time, and is prepared to address any seepage issues as they develop. If water collects in areas in the core of campus, it is likely from a source other than river seepage.
EOC representatives are meeting regularly and maintain communication with city, parish, state and federal officials to ensure that our students, staff and faculty are prepared and protected to the best of our ability based on the most current information available. Currently, all on-campus events, including final exams and commencement, are scheduled to continue as planned. Those residing in student housing on campus should maintain close contact with their resident advisors to remain up-to-date on the situation. Faculty and staff are asked to monitor the situation closely as well.
The safety and security of our students, staff and faculty remains our utmost concern. While we remain optimistic, emergencies can and do occur. I urge anyone who has not already signed up for our emergency text message alert system to do so now by visiting LINK . Also, please visit www.lsu.edu frequently, check your email regularly and stay tuned to local media in order to remain informed.
Sincerely,
Mike Martin
LSU Chancellor
From: Mike Martin, Chancellor
As the level of the Mississippi River continues to rise, I want to assure our LSU community that all hands are on deck as far as campus safety precautions and preparations are concerned. As of now, we are being informed that the river is scheduled to crest between 47.5 feet and 48 feet on May 22 – a level that should not surpass our levee system capabilities; however, our Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains on alert, monitoring river levels, campus elevations and associated areas of concern. We anticipate that the Morganza Spillway will open Saturday, May 14, or sometime shortly thereafter, which should alleviate some concerns for the university area.
Of most immediate concern for LSU is seepage, which occurs regularly on campus due to our proximity to the river, particularly in those facilities west of Nicholson Drive. Facility Services is continuously assessing seepage points on campus, although nothing unusual has been reported at this time, and is prepared to address any seepage issues as they develop. If water collects in areas in the core of campus, it is likely from a source other than river seepage.
EOC representatives are meeting regularly and maintain communication with city, parish, state and federal officials to ensure that our students, staff and faculty are prepared and protected to the best of our ability based on the most current information available. Currently, all on-campus events, including final exams and commencement, are scheduled to continue as planned. Those residing in student housing on campus should maintain close contact with their resident advisors to remain up-to-date on the situation. Faculty and staff are asked to monitor the situation closely as well.
The safety and security of our students, staff and faculty remains our utmost concern. While we remain optimistic, emergencies can and do occur. I urge anyone who has not already signed up for our emergency text message alert system to do so now by visiting LINK . Also, please visit www.lsu.edu frequently, check your email regularly and stay tuned to local media in order to remain informed.
Sincerely,
Mike Martin
LSU Chancellor
Posted on 5/12/11 at 3:51 pm to Mudminnow
The draft product of the 15:00 conference call is the following restriction between mile 240 to mile 55 AHP:
At 17.5 Ft and rising at Carrolton Gauge:
DEEP DRAFT ONLY Transit southbound DAYLIGHT ONLY
Keep Pilot on at anchorage
Minimum draft of 25 ft.
Assist Tug at Algiers Pt. & 81 mile Pt.
SHALLOW DRAFT
Close the Port Allen Lock to all traffic
Transit Wilkerson Pt & 81 mile Pt DAYLIGHT ONLY
Fleet report barges with Hazardous cargoes to COTP
Fleet tugs can operate locally in fleets only
Harbor Tugs, Launches, Excursion Vessels and Ferries will continue to operate
At 18.5 Ft and rising at Carrolton Gauge”
Full Closure to all traffic mile 240 to mile 55 AHP until river falls below 18.5 and falling
MORGANZA FLOODWAY:
Trigger point to open Morganza Floodway is 1.5 million cubic feet per second (cfs) at Red River Landing. (This equates to AAPRX 60 ft on the gauge)
Forecast is to go the 1.6 million cfs Saturday or Sunday. NO DECISION HAS BEEN MADE TO OPEN. IF A DECISION TO OPEN IS MADE, the flow through Morganza will only be equal to the amount necessary to keep the Mississippi below 1.5 million cfs. This is planned to be no more the 100,000 to 300,000cfs through the floodway
OTHER NEWS…
Possible River Closure mile 405-408 AHP in order to protect an electrical transformer at approx 57.4 ft on the Vicksburg gauge. Closure would be for 1-2 days +/-
All this to be confirmed “officially” when approved and issued by USCG Sector New Orleans.
At 17.5 Ft and rising at Carrolton Gauge:
DEEP DRAFT ONLY Transit southbound DAYLIGHT ONLY
Keep Pilot on at anchorage
Minimum draft of 25 ft.
Assist Tug at Algiers Pt. & 81 mile Pt.
SHALLOW DRAFT
Close the Port Allen Lock to all traffic
Transit Wilkerson Pt & 81 mile Pt DAYLIGHT ONLY
Fleet report barges with Hazardous cargoes to COTP
Fleet tugs can operate locally in fleets only
Harbor Tugs, Launches, Excursion Vessels and Ferries will continue to operate
At 18.5 Ft and rising at Carrolton Gauge”
Full Closure to all traffic mile 240 to mile 55 AHP until river falls below 18.5 and falling
MORGANZA FLOODWAY:
Trigger point to open Morganza Floodway is 1.5 million cubic feet per second (cfs) at Red River Landing. (This equates to AAPRX 60 ft on the gauge)
Forecast is to go the 1.6 million cfs Saturday or Sunday. NO DECISION HAS BEEN MADE TO OPEN. IF A DECISION TO OPEN IS MADE, the flow through Morganza will only be equal to the amount necessary to keep the Mississippi below 1.5 million cfs. This is planned to be no more the 100,000 to 300,000cfs through the floodway
OTHER NEWS…
Possible River Closure mile 405-408 AHP in order to protect an electrical transformer at approx 57.4 ft on the Vicksburg gauge. Closure would be for 1-2 days +/-
All this to be confirmed “officially” when approved and issued by USCG Sector New Orleans.
Posted on 5/12/11 at 4:40 pm to TheWiz
For those who only check this thread here is a pic of the old levee at "The Bend" in Lake Providence.
Posted on 5/12/11 at 5:10 pm to Choirboy
Wow. I am in Metropolis il the water is just starting to recede a little. Cairo just allowing people back in the city. My good friend is happy. He is head of security at the college where they took in the evacuees. He arrested 15 democrates fighting and thugging.
Posted on 5/12/11 at 7:01 pm to lathoroughbred
This is the Top of the "A" in Downtown Baton Rouge. The river is about 10 feet from the top of the levee.
This post was edited on 5/12/11 at 7:04 pm
Posted on 5/12/11 at 8:46 pm to TaserTiger
quote:
How many gates were opened at Morganza in 1973? In particular:
Only 25 total gates were opened in 1973, If I remember right it was over 2-3 day span.
They were left open for a few weeks if my memory is correct. I was only 14 at the time, But had relatives working there and was there myself.
Posted on 5/13/11 at 2:30 am to Kajungee
Thanks for the response, Kajungee -
I think your memory/info is accurate and confirms what I have been able to discover while using sites like Google and Wiki. All I could remember was 12 gates being opened, but I am now convinced that was how many gates were opened to begin with (not how many were eventually opened).
One person wrote a thesis and referenced Brian Costello who said that 25 gates were opened in his 1999 book - see link below:
Top quote on page 16 with above Bibliography reference quote on page 112
The USACE video below also indicates that about 25 gates were open and flowing in 1973:
USACE video showing 20 - 25 Morganza gates open in 1973
Noting the elevation difference between upstream and downstream of the Morganza Locks structure in the USACE video, I doubt that opening any more than 20 - 25 gates would have made much difference in 1973. This time (like right now) the number of gates opened may well depend on the 1,500 kcfs ongoing estimating, but can you imagine what it would look like in all of the Spillway if 50% of the gates were opened (60 - 65 gates)?
I think your memory/info is accurate and confirms what I have been able to discover while using sites like Google and Wiki. All I could remember was 12 gates being opened, but I am now convinced that was how many gates were opened to begin with (not how many were eventually opened).
One person wrote a thesis and referenced Brian Costello who said that 25 gates were opened in his 1999 book - see link below:
quote:
Spillway was completed in 1956 while the construction of the 24-foot guide levees was completed in 1949 (Costello 1999: 216). The Spillway has only been used once since its completion; in 1973, 25 of the 125 gates were opened (Costello 1999: 216).
quote:
Costello, Brian 1999 A History of Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana. New Roads Printing, New Roads, LA.
Top quote on page 16 with above Bibliography reference quote on page 112
The USACE video below also indicates that about 25 gates were open and flowing in 1973:
USACE video showing 20 - 25 Morganza gates open in 1973
Noting the elevation difference between upstream and downstream of the Morganza Locks structure in the USACE video, I doubt that opening any more than 20 - 25 gates would have made much difference in 1973. This time (like right now) the number of gates opened may well depend on the 1,500 kcfs ongoing estimating, but can you imagine what it would look like in all of the Spillway if 50% of the gates were opened (60 - 65 gates)?
This post was edited on 5/13/11 at 2:33 am
Posted on 5/13/11 at 6:41 am to TaserTiger
Thanks for the post. The video is thought provoking, given our current situation.
Posted on 5/13/11 at 10:15 am to tigerjjs
Most recent data shows Red River Landing water level is 61.33 feet.
The Mississippi is flowing at 1.48 million cubic feet per second, with 1.5 being the trigger point for opening Morganza Spillway.
The Mississippi is flowing at 1.48 million cubic feet per second, with 1.5 being the trigger point for opening Morganza Spillway.
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