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Mick Parsons's avatar

I work on the Ohio River, on the Steamer Belle of Louisville. You all stay safe down there.

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John Ruskey's avatar

Thanks Mick! You too. How are conditions in Louisville?

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Mick Parsons's avatar

The river is supposed to crest tomorrow morning at 37 feet. McAlpine and Markland locks have been closed since Friday, but the rain has given us a break. With any luck we will be back in pool by Tuesday or Wednesday next week, if projections hold.

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David Willis's avatar

Wow, that's crazy fast rise - how will this impact things in Clarksdale, and Quapaw's home?

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John Ruskey's avatar

Mississippi is main concern, still projected to crest at 46.5, which is 2.5 feet above "flood stage." Which means roads and landings on other side of the levee will be under water. As well as most river islands! No sand except a few select places! And river will be touching bottom of levee, plus a few feet. Exciting times! Waterfowl and amphivbians are already flourishing. In town, the Sunflower River swoll up after the last series of deluge-like storms Saturday. Now at edge of parking lot. Another foot and it would start seeping under door at ground level in my studio (the cave). But seems to be cresting now (around 19 feet in downtown Clarksdale river gage).

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David Willis's avatar

Crazy that those islands have disappeared, nice to hear the wildlife are doing well, that's the trouble with caves - perhaps your studio should be higher. Wishing you well brother - exciting times 🙄🙂🤞

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Michael Davidson's avatar

John ; great update ; if the forest paths are open I would love to go out

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John Ruskey's avatar

The forests will be flooded brother Michael! We can go paddle in places at canopy level -- where the first songbirds are now flying!

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Dan Pahman's avatar

Dylan said "it's sugar for sugar for sugar, salt for salt, you go down in the flood gonna be your own fault". Be safe

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John Ruskey's avatar

That's right! Fast rise means fast changing conditions... it'd be easy to get stuck somewhere way out in the woods, and suddenly be surrounded by muddy water...

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David Ciaffardini's avatar

Thank you John for keeping us well informed.

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John Ruskey's avatar

Thanks David, part of our service as river rats!

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