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US Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District announces Non-Breach Emergency at Columbia Lock and Dam in central Louisiana.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg District
Published Aug. 17, 2024

Vicksburg, Miss.  – The US Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District has declared a non-breach emergency at the Columbia Lock and Dam located on the Ouachita River approximately seven miles upstream of Columbia, LA. This declaration allows the Corps to adjust water levels upstream and downstream of the lock and dam to investigate concerns while safely operating the structure for the navigation industry. 

As part of the declaration, the pool above Columbia Lock and Dam will be lowered by approximately three feet, while the pool below the dam will be raised by approximately two feet. This adjustment is expected to commence on 20 August 2024 and will proceed at a rate of approximately ½ foot per day. 

The change is not expected to significantly impact commercial navigation, and the lock will continue to operate. Recreational vessels and especially house boaters along the Ouachita River are encouraged to remain aware of changing river conditions and to make needed adjustments to moorings to accommodate these changes. 

The water level adjustments are necessary to facilitate a comprehensive inspection and to complete maintenance work to address concerns that were discovered at the lock and dam.  

Key Pool Details: 

  • Start Date: 20 August 2024 
  • Change in Upper Pool: Lowering from EL 52.0 to EL 49.0 ft-NAVD88 
  • Change in Lower Pool: Raising from EL 34.0 to EL 36.0 ft-NAVD88 
  • Rate of Change: Approx. ½ foot per day 

The US Army Corps of Engineers appreciates the patience and understanding of the local community and stakeholders during this process.  

The USACE Vicksburg District is engineering solutions to the nation’s toughest challenges. The Vicksburg District encompasses a 68,000-square-mile area across portions of Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana, that holds nine major river basins and incorporates approximately 460 miles of mainline Mississippi River levees. The Vicksburg District is engaged in hundreds of projects and employs approximately 1,100 personnel.

 


Contact
Christi Kilroy
601-631-5000
VicksburgDistrict@usace.army.mil

Release no. 24-136