Coe opens morganza spillway!!!!

[SLAB MASTER]

We need to pray for all those in the South that have been so hard hit by the recent storms. The COE has just opened one of the gates of the spillway. There will be much damage and sorrow. I am sure it was a difficult decision for all.

[flyboy2610]

I read about this in the paper this morning. We do need to keep those people in our prayers. Get ready to pay higher fuel prices as well. There are oil and gas wells in the soon to be flooded spillway. The south is really getting clobbered this spring. May God be with you all.

[huntinslabs]

Well said Flyboy. Prayers for all that have been devastated this year by mother nature.

[jonny177]

are they evern allowed to do this?

[flyboy2610]

are they evern allowed to do this?

Yes, they can. It's part of the whole flood control system on the Mississippi. The potential damage to big cities if the spillway is not opened must be weighed against the lowland flooding that will occur if it is. It's not a spur of the moment decision by any means.

[kycreek]

Very sad for all those affected.

[Riverc]

I remember when the gates were open in 1973 it is truly not a pretty picture lots of flooding of farmland,homes and camps.And also all the wildlife in the basin it will hurt.

[bfish]

are they evern allowed to do this?

The decision was made 30 years ago, when the COE installed the spillway. My understanding is they send out letters annually to all those that live in the low areas.

What is crazy is due to the levees and swamp draining, the dry land is sinking, making for higher flood levels (along with straightening the Mississippi).

[boatstall]

The decision was made 30 years ago, when the COE installed the spillway. My understanding is they send out letters annually to all those that live in the low areas.

What is crazy is due to the levees and swamp draining, the dry land is sinking, making for higher flood levels (along with straightening the Mississippi).

Facility was actually completed in 1954.

Prior to yesterdays opening of 1 of the 125 gates, the last date of use was 1973.

[Fatman]

Saw it on the news this morning folks are packing up everythingto keep it from being damaged and getting to dry ground. Wish it would stop raining here too