(Photo courtesy of US Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District)
PITTSBURGH – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District is informing the public that due to recent and anticipated rainfall from Hurricane Ida, water levels along the Cheat, Monongahela, Ohio and Youghiogheny rivers will be higher than normal and are expected to remain so throughout Labor Day weekend.
Monongahela riverfront communities, such as Charleroi and Point Marion, may experience localized flooding due to increased water levels in uncontrolled waterways. All residents near small creeks, streams and tributaries should monitor local weather stations for up-to-date information.
The Point of Pittsburgh, located at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers, is forecasted to have a high-water event and crest above flood stage on Thursday afternoon. During this high-water event, the Monongahela Wharf, 10th Street bypass and parkway “bathtub” are anticipated to be out of service from Wednesday through Friday afternoon.
The Monongahela River is forecasted to crest above flood stage on Thursday morning. The Braddock, Charleroi, Elizabeth, Grays Landing, Maxwell and Point Marion locks and dams along the lower Monongahela River are expected to be temporarily out of service until water levels recede. The Hildebrand, Morgantown and Opekiska locks and dams will remain in service.
Personnel at locks and dams along the Monongahela River are taking precautions associated with high water to mitigate impacts to navigation. The district recognizes there is a potential for uncontrolled flows and is monitoring water levels to ensure the district’s facilities are prepared to react to any possible changes. No facilities along the Allegheny or Ohio rivers are expected to see impacts to navigation
Recreators are encouraged to review river conditions and ensure their safety gear is prepared prior to participating in activities on the water.
The corps is performing controlled releases at the Conemaugh, Stonewall Jackson, Tygart and Youghiogheny reservoirs to retain water, reduce downstream water levels, and mitigate potential flooding in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas.
The Corps of Engineers is coordinating with the National Weather Service, Coast Guard, navigation industry and other river partners to monitor and respond to increased water levels within the district. The district will keep the public informed of any further changes in weather conditions or water levels.
For more information about flood preparedness visit: https://www.lrp.usace.army.
For water management information including daily reservoirs reports and river gage data, please visit: https://www.lrp.usace.army.
RESOURCES: For more information, visit; www.lrp.usace.army.mil