Vicksburg, Miss…The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Vicksburg District conducted a readiness exercise on July 25 at the Ouachita Parish Emergency Operations Center in Monroe, Louisiana. The exercise covered three scenarios concerning the Columbia Lock and Dam river levels. Customers, partners and stakeholders from industry and local government participated in the exercise and discussed preparedness and responsiveness.
Columbia Lock and Dam has been closed to navigation until emergency repairs can be made. In addition, the water levels within the pool have currently been lowered three feet to relieve some of the pressures on the lock structure. At this time, the structure is stable and further damages are not expected.
As a result of lowering the pool, the seven boat ramps operated by the Corps within the Columbia Pool (Riverton, Prairion, Bawcomville, Moon Lake, Sterlington, Finch Bayou and Felsenthal South) are closed as of July 9. The Riverton swim beach closed at noon on July 10. These areas and the lock structure will be closed until further notice to protect your safety and prevent possible damages to your boats. Please do not move or go-around any of the barricades.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the world's largest public engineering organization and has a firm commitment to preserving and enhancing our natural environment. The Corps is the largest federal provider of outdoor and water-based recreation in the nation. The Vicksburg District encompasses a 68,000-square-mile area across portions of Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana.
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Release no. 18-045