June 16 2021 8AM
Current State
The National Hurricane Center has increased the probability of the disturbance in the lower GOM developing into a tropical system to 90% affecting the northern Gulf Coast by Friday.
Bayou Courtableau and Bayou Darbonne Flood Gates were opened fully by the USACE on June 14 at 10am. The Bayou Courtableau gauge has dropped approximately 1.45ft since opening the gates and continues to drop approximately 0.25ft daily. This action has resulted in establishing approximately 1.61ft of retention for rains in the Bayou Courtableau watershed before levels exceed the Courtableau weir elevation of 18ft. Additionally, the drainage load on the Vermilion River has been reduced by approximately 11.1%.
The Vermilion River Surrey gauge is currently at 8.60ft declining at 0.4ft per day. If the current fall continues the level would be about 7.8ft Friday at 8am or 7.4ft Saturday 8am. These levels would result in a range of 2.3ft to 1.4ft above normal levels (5.5-6ft) in the Vermilion when the tropical system is predicted to affect the watershed.
