Norco, Louisiana Prepares for Potential Flooding

News Summary

Norco, Louisiana is on high alert as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducts test openings of the Bonnet Carré Spillway amidst rising Mississippi River levels. With the river forecasted to reach flood stage soon, local officials are preparing for a potential official spillway opening. Community concerns are rising regarding the impact on fisheries and local ecosystems, as residents anxiously await updates on flood control measures.

Norco, Louisiana Braces for High Water as Flood Stage Looms

In a bid to stay ahead of nature’s unpredictability, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently carried out a test opening of the Bonnet Carré Spillway right here in Norco, Louisiana, on April 21, 2025. With the mighty Mississippi River threatening to hit flood stage, this test was a crucial step in understanding the potential need for an official spillway opening in the near future.

The Flood Threat is Real

As we all know too well around these parts, when the river rises and nears a critical threshold, the Corps takes immediate action. Officials usually kick things into gear when the river flow reaches 1.25 million cubic feet per second, which historically occurs at approximately 17 feet on the Carrollton gauge in New Orleans. Current forecasts are showing that we might just reach 16.9 feet by May 2, providing a strong indication that we could be facing an official opening of the spillway soon.

A Look at the Spillway’s Function

The Bonnet Carré Spillway is a crucial piece of infrastructure, having been opened over a dozen times since it was constructed nearly a century ago. Each time it’s opened, it helps to relieve pressure on the levee system that safeguards the city of New Orleans, channeling fresh water into Lake Pontchartrain and reducing the risk of flooding.

During the recent test, a single one of the spillway’s 350 “bays” was opened. Each bay contains around 20 timber beams or “needles,” with each needle weighing in at about 600 pounds. By allowing only 260 cubic feet per second of water to flow during the test, the Corps was able to familiarize workers with the operational procedures necessary for a full opening when the time comes.

Balancing Flood Control and Ecosystem Health

While the benefits of opening the spillway for flood control are clear, the downsides aren’t as straightforward. The Mississippi Sound Coalition has raised concerns about the potential negative impacts on local ecosystems, particularly on the oyster and shrimp fisheries. Previous spillway openings, especially during years like 2011 and 2019, have wreaked havoc on local fisheries, with 2019 being particularly detrimental to the health of oyster reefs.

Community members, including local fishermen, gathered around the spillway during the test event. Their presence underscored just how important this issue is for the locals. Everyone is eager to learn more about how flood management will unfold and how it could affect their livelihoods.

Keeping an Eye on the River’s Levels

As the river levels and weather conditions continue to be assessed, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is keeping a vigilant watch. With the likelihood of a partial opening growing stronger, locals are left wondering how the spillway’s operations will play out and whether an official opening will be on the horizon.

In these times of uncertainty, one thing is for sure: the spirit of the community is intertwined with the flow of the mighty Mississippi—always watching, waiting, and hoping for the best.

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Additional Resources

• NOLA: Mississippi River Spillway – Bonnet Carré
• Wikipedia: Bonnet Carré Spillway
• WWLTV: Test Opening of Bonnet Carré Spillway
• Google Search: Bonnet Carré Spillway
• NOLA: Flooding and Bonnet Carré Spillway
• Google Scholar: Bonnet Carré Spillway Environmental Impact
• WWLTV: Bonnet Carré Spillway Test Details
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi River
• NOLA: Photos of Bonnet Carré Spillway Test
• Google News: Bonnet Carré Spillway