Flood Protection Information

Overview

By definition, flooding is caused when an area receives more water than the drainage system can convey. The following is a synopsis of the types of flooding that Caddo Parish experiences.

Flash Flooding: Flash flooding is characterized by a rapid rise in water level, high velocity, and large amounts of debris. It is capable of uprooting trees, undermining buildings and bridges, and scouring new channels. Major factors in flash flooding are the high intensity and short duration of rainfall, as well as the steepness of watershed and stream gradients.

Local Drainage or High Groundwater Levels: Locally heavy precipitation may produce flooding in areas other than delineated floodplains or along recognizable drainage channels. If local conditions cannot accommodate intense precipitation through a combination of infiltration and surface runoff, water may accumulate and cause flooding problems.

Backwater Flooding: Backwater flooding is normally associated with riverine flooding and connotes minimal velocity. All low lying areas are at risk. A heavy rainfall event coupled with a swollen river, canal, bayou, or marsh hinders drainage outflow, causing backwater flooding to the same areas susceptible to storm surge.

Riverine Flooding: Riverine flooding is, by definition, river-based. Most of the riverine flooding problems occur when the Red River crests at flood stage levels, causing extensive flooding in low-lying areas.

Browse the tabs to the left to plan and prepare for a flood event.

For more information, visit the following pages: