I haven't read the whole thread, but when it's man against nature, nature will always win, in the long run.
As anyone from Louisiana knows, water is one the most destructive forces in nature. As long as you can keep the flow rate down, it's just nasty. When the flow rate goes up, it get destructive, very fast. With the amount of flow they had, its a wonder it didn't do more damage.
Given the extraordinary volumes expected, what's the current perspective on the Mississippi's readiness to handle the Spring Thaw ?
It's anyone guess. First they will open the gates at Simsport and let more water down the Atchafalaya.
Then the Bonnet Carrie Spillway will be opened. This is above NO, on the river and lets fresh water into Lake Pontchatrain. Oyster fishermen hate this. Keeps NO from flooding, unless it gets really bad.
Last, if needed, they will open the gates at Morganza and flood the Atchafalaya Basin. This has only happened 2 times.
After these 3 things, you are 'out of luck'. One of these days, those things will not be enough and when it happens, 1/4 of La. will flood. It happened in '27, before the present levee system was finished. My Granddad told me about it.
Old Turd- Deplorable- Unrepentant Murderer- Domestic Violent Extremist
