As predicted, heavy rainfall and major flooding have closed several locks along the Red River for navigation.

According to the Red River Valley Association, Locks 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are currently closed to navigation due to high river stages.

Lock 1 closed when the upper gage reached 58.9′ and holding steady. It will reopen when it reaches 58′.

Lock 2 remains closed, the upper gage is at 76.0′ and falling. It will reopen at 72.5.’ The Alexandria gage is at 37.8′ and falling, this is expected to be at 35.8′ by Saturday, March 26th.

Lock 3 is also closed to navigation, tailwater is at 96.1′ and falling. This lock plans to reopen when the tailwater reaches 90.5′. Grand Ecore Gage is at 32.8′ and falling, this is expected to be at 30.9′ by Saturday, March 26th. The Grand Ecore flows are at 172,000 cfs and these are expected to slow to 146,000 by Saturday.

Lock 4 is closed and tailwater is at 121.3′ and falling, with plans to reopen at 119′. Coushatta gage is at 32.8′ and falling, this is expected to be at 30.9′ by Saturday, March 26th.

Lock 5 remains closed and tailwater is currently at 139.06,’ this continues to fall and will reopen when the tailwater reaches 138.6.’ The Shreveport gage is at 27.1′ and holding steady, expected to be at 27.2′ by Saturday, March 26th.

According to Johnny Martin, COO at Terral RiverService, we anticipate service to Alexandria to be restored around March 28th.

Another update to the changes in crests is expected on Wednesday, March 23rd.

For the most up-to-date information on the Red River conditions, visit the National Weather Service River Forecast Center website.