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2011 River Stages - Flooding Information

A flooded houseAs of Wednesday, June 22, the Mississippi River was below flood stage at all Mississippi locations. The Missouri River is impacting us and will result in slightly higher levels at some locations in the next 10 days. However, the river will remain below flood stage.

Being prepared for this major flooding event can help us prevent the loss of lives and property. This information is presented to help you plan and cope with these difficult times. As always your thoughts, comments and ideas are welcomed.

Water Level Information (crest / level))
Gauge (zero)* 1927 1937 1973 2011** June 30
forecast**		 July 10
forecast**
Memphis (183.91') 45.8' 48.7' 40.5' 47.9' 23.4' 18.2'
Helena (141.70') 56.7' 60.2' 50.1' 56.5'' 32.7' 26.8'
Arkansas City (96.66') 59.2' 53.9' 47.6' 53.1' 28.6' 24.3'
Greenville (74.92') 65.4' 63.0' 58.2' 64.2' 40.2' 36.0'
Vicksburg (46.23') 56.2' 53.2' 51.6' 57.1' 38.5' 34.9'
Natchez (17.3') 56.6' 58.0' 56.7' 61.9' 47.5' 44.5'
*Add gauge zero to stage height to determine ground elevation of water level.
**Projection based on 6/21//2011 data.
Date of Crest and Other Data
Gauge 1927 1937 1973 2011* Date Below
Flood Stage*
Memphis 4/24 2/11 5/18 5/10 5/27
Helena 4/26 2/11 5/11 5/12 5/30
Arkansas City 4/21 2/14 5/12 5/16 6/11
Greenville 4/21 2/13 5/12 5/17 6/12
Vicksburg 5/4 2/22 5/13 5/19 6/17
Natchez 5/14 2/21 5/13 5/19 6/22
*Projection based on 6/22/2011 data
The flood waters flowing over a levee in the Mississippi Delta causes significant damage to homes, farms, wildlife and crops.
The flood waters flowing over a levee in the Mississippi Delta causes significant damage to homes, farms, wildlife and crops.
Flood waters from the rising Mississippi River overtakes farmland and row crops in the Delta.
Flood waters from the rising Mississippi River overtakes farmland and row crops in the Delta.
Land in the Mississippi Delta is quickly being flooded by the rising Mississippi River and tributaries.
Land in the Mississippi Delta is quickly being flooded by the rising Mississippi River and tributaries.
A cornfield south of Yazoo City is inundated by flood waters.
A cornfield south of Yazoo City is inundated by flood waters.
Photos by Scott Corey/Ag Communications
May 17, 2011

Other Important Data: June 22

  • Steele Bayou control structure: water level: 86.92' (landside) and 86.34' (riverside)
  • Mississippi River backwater at Yazoo Backwater Levee: water level - missing data
  • Water tops the Yazoo Backwater Levee at about 107'. The water level did not top the Yazoo Backwater Levee.
  • Yazoo River at Yazoo City; 22.18', crested at 38.7' on 5/21, almost 10' above flood stage (add 67.7' to stage height to determine ground elevation of water level) dropped below flood stage on 6/12
  • Selected Delta land elevations:
    • Onward, 99'
    • Louise, 101'
    • Post Office at Cary, 103'
    • Silver City, 105'
    • Post Office at Rolling Fork, 106'
    • Mayersville, 107'
    • Catfish Museum at Belzoni, 113'

Other Resources

 

Row Crop Replanting After Flooding

Extension and MAFES agronomic crop specialists and researchers recently published a publication with information about late season planting and crop management. Note: This publication is no longer available as of 04/24/2013.

 

Federal Emergency
Management Agency

Survivors of the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding from April 15-28, 2011 in Mississippi should apply now for federal assistance. Assistance for eligible survivors is available in the form of grants for temporary housing, basic home repairs, other serious disaster-related needs and low interest disaster loans. Renters, homeowners and business owners may apply for help through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. You can register for federal assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). You can also visit m.fema.gov from your mobile device for information or visit the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency website.

Additional Information:

 

Publications and Information Sheets

 

Websites

 

News Features and Releases

 

Videos

South Delta residents advised to Corps of Engineers lays 4 miles of heavy plastic to protect Yazoo Backwater Levee South Delta residents advised to South Delta flooding forecast
May 20, 2011 - Yazoo Flooding (Farmweek TV) May 13, 2011 - U.S. Corps of Engineers lays 4 miles of heavy plastic to protect Yazoo Backwater Levee (Farmweek TV) May 13, 2011 - South Delta residents advised to "know their elevation" (Farmweek TV) May 6, 2011 - South Delta flooding forecast (Farmweek TV)
     
Using Pumps to Protect Property During a Flood - U.S. Corp of Engineers Sandbagging: Building a Levee - U.S. Corp of Engineers    
Using Pumps to Protect Property During a Flood (U.S. Corp of Engineers) Sandbagging: Building a Levee (U.S. Corp of Engineers)