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Preconstruction and postconstruction ground-water levels, Lock and Dam 1, Red River Valley, Louisiana

January 1, 1979

Proposed construction of a series of locks and dams in the Red River in Louisiana will cause a permanent increase in average river stage. The potentiometric surface of the shallow alluvial aquifer and the water table in the fine-grained material confining the aquifer will be affected. The purpose of this study, using digital-modeling techniques, was to predict the average postconstruction potentiometric surface (steady state) and the water table (nonsteady state) so that potential effects of the water-level changes could be evaluated.

Plans for Lock and Dam 1 at mile 44 (kilometer 71) above the mouth of the Red River call for a pool elevation of 40 feet (12.2 meters) and will cause an average increase in river stage of 9 feet (2.7 meters). As a result, ground-water levels will be raised 1 foot (0.3 meter) or more within 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) of the river. The potentiometric surface may be near land surface in low-lying areas, and above land surface along the course of drainage features near the dam. The magnitude of ground-water-level fluctuations near the river will be reduced. 

Publication Year 1979
Title Preconstruction and postconstruction ground-water levels, Lock and Dam 1, Red River Valley, Louisiana
DOI 10.3133/ofr79918
Authors A. H. Ludwig
Publication Type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Series Title Open-File Report
Series Number 79-918
Index ID ofr79918
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse