Bonnet Carré Crevasse

[2] The breach occurred when excess water from the Mississippi River flowed over the east bank levee of Bonnet Carré.

[1] The water rushed at 8 miles per hour, causing the width of the breach to increase by the day.

[2] Strong northerly winds caused the excess water entering Lake Pontchartrain to flow into populated areas to the east, including neighborhoods Metairie and Gentilly.

[1] Although the devastation to the Bonnet Carré area was great, its ecological impacts were somewhat beneficial.

Recognizing the benefits, the local government commissioned the construction of an artificial crevasse that could be periodically opened to drain excess water from the Mississippi into Lake Pontchartrain.