In response to rising water levels on the Mississippi River, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District closed the gates of the Steele Bayou Control Structure Tuesday at 4 p.m. Due to changing conditions on the Mississippi River and the river slowing its rise, the gates at Steele Bayou Drainage Structure have been reopened today, April 9, to allow more water to flow out of the lower Yazoo basin. It is anticipated that the gates will close again; however, we are taking this welcome opportunity to get as much water out of the basin as possible.

The safety of residents and communities remains the Corps’ number one priority as it continues to closely monitor the situation and support local flood-fighting activities. Other than possible issues traveling to and from the area, there are no other expected impacts to the Eagle Lake community at this time.

The Steele Bayou Control Structure was constructed in 1969, and is located about 10 miles north of Vicksburg, Mississippi. The structure, combined with the Mississippi River and Yazoo Backwater levees as a MS Rivers and Tributaries (MR&T) project, serves as a critical flood risk management tool to prevent the Yazoo and Mississippi Rivers from backing up and flooding the Yazoo basin in the MS Delta.

Recent heavy rainfall across the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys has caused water levels on the Mississippi River to rise rapidly. As a result, the interior stage of the Yazoo Backwater Area is now forecasted to crest at around 90 feet in late April.

In addition to the closure of the Steele Bayou gates, USACE is preparing for flood fighting in other areas. Vicksburg is expected to reach Phase 1 of its flood control plan later this week. Phase 1 can involve the implementation of increased monitoring, deployment of flood-fighting resources, and preparation of flood barriers.

Downstream, Natchez is expected to reach Phase 2 early next week, which may include more active flood-fighting measures, such as sandbagging, levee repairs, and notices for high-risk areas.

USACE is also working closely with County Emergency Management and other local authorities to ensure the effective deployment of resources in flood-prone areas. These coordinated efforts are crucial in minimizing flood damage and ensuring the safety of residents. USACE will continue to monitor water levels and adjust its flood control operations as necessary to protect affected communities.

The public is encouraged to contact local authorities and management officials for updates about conditions in their area and should avoid activities on or near flood control works.

Inundation mapping can be found online at: https://geospatial.sec.usace.army.mil/arcgis/apps/dashboards/9c65e8dacc514c31b0f2cbc273dddc38

River levels, including those at Vicksburg and Natchez, MS, can be monitored here: https://water.noaa.gov