Louisiana Governor Jindal: Get Ready to Get Out of Flood's Way

Associated Press ^ | Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at 9:38 p.m. | MARY FOSTER & MICHAEL KUNZELMAN

[bruinbirdman]

"In 1927 the Corps of Engineers blew 1500’ of levee south of New Orleans to lower the pressure/level upstream. I wonder if they are looking at something like this again? "

The Corp learned their lesson and build a spillway south of New Orleans. There is quite a history behind that spillway.

yitbos

[CPT Clay]

Someday the Mississippi will flow down the Atchafalaya again.

Maybe this year?

Tomorrow?

[bruinbirdman]

"Maybe this year?"

Read an interesting factoid about the Old River Control Structure.

Evidently, the worry is more about its base/foundation being undermined at the riverbed level.

yitbos

[CCorn]

I am worried about all the “swamp people” that make their homes there. Will those houses be under water, like in Houma, LA? It seems to me like if they open the Morganza spillway it will flood all the swamp land. Also, I would like to know if it will wash away all the fish and vegetation, wildlife, gators? I am curious.
Thanks.

[SuziQ]

one thing I noticed was they are more than concerned that if the old river structures are undermined that the Mississippi will make a permanent change in course down the Atchafalaya that will be impossible to change.

The river will do what it wills, regardless of the machinations of the Corps of Engineers.