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. “The water levels are rising and will continue to rise due to the recent amount of rainfall we’ve gotten in this area. Over the last week, we have gotten between 5 to 8 inches of rain total with some areas getting up to 10 inches,” said Brian Williams, Director of the Webster Parish Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness.
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.
“We’re supposed to get a couple of more inches over the next week, but the concern is going to be rainwater runoff that is coming down Bayou Dorcheat that will enter into Lake Bistineau,” said Williams.
On Lake Bistineau, water levels could rise above the 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.
Sandbags are available at the Parish Public Works Barns in Sibley located at 532 Crichton Road or the barn in Sarepta located at 6137 Hwy 2and Sarepta. Those living in Minden or Springhill city limits can go to these Public Works Barns as well.