Water levels along the Mississippi River continue to drop, prompting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to deactivate Phase I flood fight inspections. As a result of this deactivation, all permitted construction work near levees and floodwalls along or near the river may now resume.
The Corps activated phase I flood fight as a proactive measure on February 7, 2012, when the Mississippi River rose above 11 feet. The levee patrols associated with phase I activation help ensure the Corps and the local levee authorities can respond quickly to problem areas that may develop along the levee system due to the elevated water levels. 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 winter slowly increased water levels. Although the river level is still above average, it is beginning to drop. The water level at the Carrollton Gauge as of 7:00 AM yesterady was 9.6 feet.
No significant issues developed along any of the levees as a result of this recent high water. The Corps will continue to keep a watchful eye on water levels as the spring flood season approaches.
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Dredging Today Staff, February 24, 2012; Image: usace