The Corps’ Mississippi Valley New Orleans (MVN) closed 24 bays on the Bonnet Carré  Spillway today (Wednesday, March 27, 2019).   The MVN manages the opening and closing of bays to ensure the maximum flow at New Orleans remains at/or below the trigger point flow of 1.25 million cubic feet per second (cfs).  Today’s maximum flow projection is 1.347 million cfs, this projection is based on the measured flow at Red River Landing, with timing adjusted for downriver. 

The MVN will continue to oversee the operation of the Spillway as a flood control structure in accordance with the approved Bonnet Carré  Spillway Water Control Manual, 152 of the 350 bays remain opened. During the recorded crest 206 bays were opened and the maximum flow at Red River Landing was estimated to be 1.455 million cfs.

                                                                                    BONNET CARRÉ  SPILLWAY OPERATIONS       

The operation of the Bonnet Carré Spillway will artificially control the extended crest now reduced to 16.6 feet (approximately). The present conditions and updated forecasts for the Carrolton Gauge indicate a slow fall has begun, the stage is expected to reach 12.6 feet on April 24, 2019.  

The MVN expects to close continue closing Bays on the Bonnet Carré  Spillway on a daily basis, all bays could be closed over the next 7 to 10 days.