2019 Mississippi River

[CharlieK]

Now that the foolishness is out of the way, can anyone with actual knowledge comment on what the design specs are for length of time the levees are expected to be able to hold? Seems like we would be getting pretty close to the danger zone soon.

[HelmutVII]

As long as we don't see any sand boils or levees overtopped we should be ok. Big question is loose barge or ship without sterring hitting the levee. Then all bets are off.

[CharlieK]

As long as we don't see any sand boils or levees overtopped we should be ok. Big question is loose barge or ship without sterring hitting the levee. Then all bets are off.

Couldn't we just store all the barges in Henderson till this blows over? :-)

So, in theory, they are designed to hold water back for very long periods?

[HelmutVII]

As long as there is no significant movement of water through the levee we should be ok. That's not to say that there are no local problems. that's why the corps of engineers has levee riders that CONSTANTLY ride the levees every day to check for any potential week spots. Sand boils are the worst. They undermine the foundation of the levee causing it to sink and fail. Sand boils are usually easy to spot. It also depends on the quality of the soils used i the levee. lots of variables. Levves located at the outside bend of the river are the most vulnerable though.

[ZoomZoom]

As long as there is no significant movement of water through the levee we should be ok. That's not to say that there are no local problems. that's why the corps of engineers has levee riders that CONSTANTLY ride the levees every day to check for any potential week spots. Sand boils are the worst. They undermine the foundation of the levee causing it to sink and fail. Sand boils are usually easy to spot. It also depends on the quality of the soils used i the levee. lots of variables. Levves located at the outside bend of the river are the most vulnerable though.

What ever became of the breech north of Monroe a few years back where, as you described, the river cut thru an outside bend?

[Boomer]

What ever became of the breech north of Monroe a few years back where, as you described, the river cut thru an outside bend?

..........the weather channel has been running a special report on the Miss River, the La coast, fresh water/salt water intrusion, seafood industry, etc!!!

[angeleast]

Helmet, with these big rains we getting. will it speed up the process of opening up the locks?

[HelmutVII]

Helmet, with these big rains we getting. will it speed up the process of opening up the locks?

No. This rain around south Louisiana has nothing to do with the Mississippi river water.

[Boomer]

No. This rain around south Louisiana has nothing to do with the Mississippi river water.

....It would seem like it could have a soaking effect on the levees possibly producing a weakened structure......just checking my back yard Verm River with wind and tide keeping water less flowing and hard rain adding to the bowl——no clue but damn curious!!!

[HelmutVII]

Morganza Spillway will not be opened on Sunday. May not be opened at all.

https://katc.com/news/2019/06/06/upd...dway-canceled/