Flood in Caldwell Parish, Louisiana

The Ouachita River at Columbia Locks went above flood stage during the morning of October 31st and did not crest until the month of November. Further crest information will be contained in the November Storm Data publication. Late on the 31st, the river was already at a stage of 65.6 feet, nearly a half a foot above the 65 foot flood stage. At this reading, the river reached the top of the lock elevation and the Riverton Recreational Area was flooded and had to be closed. Approximately $500,000 was spent trying to stabilize the levee during the bank stabilization project. Caldwell Parish was approved for federal aid as the parish was included as a Federal Disaster Area as a result of the flooding and storm damage that occurred during the month of October.

Excessive heavy rainfall through the month of October resulted in the Ouachita River at Columbia, Louisiana going above its 65 foot flood stage and inundating acres of land in and around the river.