Lake Bistineau could rise above flood stage by Sunday
Recent heavy rainfall combined with the now saturated ground conditions has resulted in projected high water conditions on Lake Bistineau, according to forecasters with the National Weather Service.
Additional rainfall is expected, forecasters say, and that, along with rain impacting the Dorcheat Bayou system, will most likely push Lake Bistineau to a crest at 144 feet by Feb. 20.
Although Bistineau appears to be rising, the Bossier Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (BOHSEP) reports other main waterways in the parish are in good shape and flowing.
Water levels on the Red River are forecast to crest at 28 feet by Friday, Feb. 14. According to Executive Director Ian Snellgrove, BOHSEP will continue to monitor gauges on parish waterways and will post updates as needed.
On Lake Bistineau, water levels could rise above flood pool stage by early Sunday morning, forecasters said. An automatic no wake order is posted when the lake reaches an elevation of 144 feet.
Residents on the lake may see flooding on access roads and should secure low area buildings and docks along with boats and other types of watercraft. Forecasters predict flooding similar to that experienced during Spring, 2019 when Bistineau crested at 144.5 feet could be expected.
Residents who may want to pick up sandbags as a precaution may do so at the following locations:
Highway Department, 410 Mayfield, Benton, 318-965-3752.
The highway department is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Hours are subject to change if emergency situations should warrant.
South Bossier Fire District #2, 1325 Robinson Rd., Elm Grove, 318-987-2555
Haughton Fire District #1, 4494 Hwy 80, Haughton, 318-949-9440
Town of Plain Dealing, 205 W. Palmetto, Plain Dealing
Town of Haughton, 120 W. McKinley Ave, Haughton, 318-949-9401
Locations throughout the parish where sandbag storage containers have been placed are self-service. Those who need sandbags from satellite locations should call the phone numbers attached for access.