MEMPHIS, Tenn., March 25, 2008 – The Memphis District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, initiated
Phase I flood fighting activities in Eastern Arkansas yesterday due to high Mississippi and White river
stages.
During Phase I flood fight activities, Corps of Engineers personnel deploy to the field and
monitor all federal flood control works including levees, flood walls and pumping stations. Corps
personnel also provide technical assistance and flood fighting resources to areas impacted by high water.
“Our primary mission during a flood fight is to protect people and property,” said Memphis
District Commander, Col. Thomas Smith. “The key to a successful flood fight is to coordinate our
efforts with local community efforts. We are also working closely with local levee boards, the
Governor’s office and members of Congress to reduce flood damages in Arkansas.”
The District’s current White River Phase I flood fight area extends along the White River from
just below Augusta to Des Arc to Clarendon, with the current projected crest at Des Arc expected to
reach 33.5 feet on March 25th, and the crest for Clarendon expected to reach 33.5 feet on March 28th.
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lmrfc/forecast/tributaries/LOWER_WHITE_BASIN/DSCA4.shtml
The projected crest for Des Arc is higher than records show for the 1982-83 flood peak (32.5 feet in
December 1982). The record at Des Arc was 37.35 in 1949. The peak for Clarendon in January 1983
was 31.2 feet with a record of 43.3 feet set in 1927.
Additionally, high river stages will flood lands between the Mississippi River and the river’s
mainline levee system from the Arkansas-Missouri state line to the Arkansas-Louisiana border.
Phase II flood fighting activities are not anticipated in Arkansas at this time. During Phase II
flood fight activities, Corps of Engineers personnel begin more intensive monitoring of flood control
works including levees, floodwalls and pumping stations.
The Federal flood protection works in the Lower Mississippi Valley protect many thousands of
homes, millions of lives and vast tracts of fertile cropland. The Memphis District’s flood control system
has prevented more than $4.3 billion in flood damages and protected more than five million acres of
cropland in the last decade alone.