Posted an idea in the LA forum re hurricane and I'm wondering. Does anyone

[NoSheep]

here at DU have any legitimate influence in the NOLA area? Here is the text of the post. I don't have ANY idea if it is a relevant issue but damn. What do we have to lose?:

Richmond has the James river ( big raging river) that floods every so many whatever yrs.
So they built a flood wall to prevent flooding of the low lying areas by the river. The land rises sharply up from the river and recently they had a tremendous amount of rain. Unprecedented amounts in a matter of hrs. The flood wall gates were closed and what happened? The low town flooded like hell in the worst and most unpredictable way in hundreds of years. All the run off from the high areas collected in the down town and the gates were closed and the water had no where to drain. They needed the gates OPEN to let the water into the river that hit the area. WIND was NOT a factor as in a hurricane. But I think they should consider opening flood walls to let the water OUT. What do you natives think of this?

[Systematic Chaos]

1. Here's the problem:

New Orleans has an average elevation of (I think) around -12 feet. So, if you encourage all that water to come in rather than praying the levees keep it out, you've just guaranteed yourself a minimum of 12 feet of flooding. At least that makes sense to me. If I'm wrong someone please set me straight. :shrug:

[NoSheep]

4. Storm surge of 25 feet is greater than the levee and the below sea level

issue could encourage a lake. Water could back out rather than creating a lake. Not an argument. Tell me more of what you think of this?

[Endangered Specie]

6. in the really worst case, it would be higher

since the levees will act to hold floodwater that goes above sea level in. As a result you could get another +10, 15 or even 20 feet to the 12 you cited (actually the average is 'only' 8 or so I think.

[henslee]

2. Interesting.

[CottonBear]

3. NOLA is in a below sea level bowl. The water gets pumped out.

The pumps will cease to work after being submerged under the massive storm surge. :scared:

[NoSheep]

5. Would you rather be in a closed bowl of water or a bowl with a hole nearer

the top? That's what I'm trying to figure out. Think about the little drain hole near the top of your tub and sink. If the water gets too high, it drains out of there before it overflows on the floor. This could control flooding. The bottom is gonna get hit like a MF no matter what.

[CottonBear]

7. The storm surge pushes water in from the ocean and from the lake as well

as from the river. NOLA is surrounded by water on all sides except the east.
There is no escape from the flooding. The only solution are massive flood walls like in the Netherlands (billions of dollars.)

[vanboggie]

8. Billions like Cheney's buddies are making in Iraq

Makes me sick that saving NO isn't as important as boosting oil profits.