re: Mississippi River Flooding - Links & Pictures in 1st Post

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How would they tell us to STAY OFF? If it isn't displayed at the actual sight, then they can't say they 'told me' to stay off

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They can announce it to the public on TV and in newspapers you tard.

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I'm seeing lots of tweets that the Corps will definitely open Bonnet Carre Monday at 8am.

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05 May 2011

Hello Everyone,

There is not much to report today. The only significant change in any of the previous information is that they have moved the crest date back a little bit. The Mississippi River is expected to crest at 57.5 on the Vicksburg gauge on May 20, 2011, instead of the 18th.

I have spoken with each of the levee district directors along the River, either by phone or in person today at the Association of Levee Boards Meeting in Baton Rouge. Several of our members from the North were unable to attend due to the high water in their district. It was a good opportunity to visit with our partners and colleagues. There are no problems reported from any of the districts. There are a few sand boils starting to show up and some seepage, as well, but these are to be expected at these levels. There is no concern with boils or seepage as long as they are not moving any material away from the levee. Clear water is good; muddy water is bad. These are normal maintenance items for the districts and they will continue to show up throughout this flood event.

As expected, the Bonnet Carre spillway will be opened as early as Monday and we expect the Morganza spillway to be opened by the end of next week. The total of this release should remove 850,000 cfs from the system and begin providing some relief for Vicksburg within a couple of days of the release. Keep in mind, the decision to open these floodways and when, is not a subjective decision on the part of the Corps. There are certain “trigger points” that dictate the opening of these structures, and they are based on two criteria, flow and gauge level. So when they forecast an opening on Monday, be prepared for that timing to move one way or the other depending on the flow. The other floodway that can be used is the Old River Structure, which can divert another 630,000 cfs out of the system, but we don’t anticipate the Corps using it to its full potential. On a daily basis and under normal conditions, this structure carries roughly 30% of the flow. The current thinking is that they will only open this structure to around 31%-32%, in an effort to maximize the flow down the Bonnet Carre and Morganza. Otherwise, Old River would actually rob the Morganza of some of its flow. If the river gauges continue to rise, then you will see additional increases at Old River until they achieve the desired results, which is to decrease pressure upstream and insure the safety of Baton Rouge.

Our biggest effort right now is to try to combat the rumor mill which seems to be churning at its maximum capacity. Try and listen to the local news and newspapers, they are doing a good job of reporting our local situation. On the other hand, the national news media seems to butcher each effort to explain flood control. I will continue to get these reports out and try to keep you informed.

Lastly, we have a great deal of confidence in our system. These levees will contain this flood event, but it’s going to take some courage to get through it. You will read and hear stories about sand boils, seepage, private levee breaches, flooded crops, backed-up sewers and many others, but you will not hear of a mainline levee breach due to overtopping. The Corps has begun work on two locations, one below Tallulah and one at Vidalia and upon completion, the lowest amount of freeboard predicted on the mainline levee will be roughly 5 feet. That is ample room to pass this water.

I may have missed a few who have just joined the group, but I will get you caught up tomorrow. Thanks.

Ahb

President
Tensas Basin Levee District

A. Harris Brown
Brownland Corporation
Po Box 2470
Monroe, LA 71207
(318)388-2500
(318)807-2097 fax

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Billder

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