The spillway is the city's last line of defense. Capable of diverting 20% of the river's flow into Lake Pontchartrain it is a very visible feature of the landscape. Drivers on I-10 cross the north end of the spillway between the airport and LaPlace. Drivers on the River Road get a more spectacular view of the flood gates as they cross the levee and drive through the south end spillway.

Fisherman and especially oyster men complain when the spillway is opened as the silt and salinity changes interfere with the Lake's ecology. However they also report bumper crops in the years after spillway openings. Flooding is an important part of the local ecology.

Locals enjoy the recreational opportunities offered in the spillway. An accessible and well preserved bit of wetlands the spillway offers the opportunity for a little fishing but is more commonly used to try out new firearms. Plinking away in the spillway at cans, bottles and wildlife with a new pellet gun or .22 is a time honored tradition. Showing up with assault rifles, flame throwers and RPG's is considered a "no-no."

Spillway Openings (as of 1997)
Date	Bays open	Max. flow (cfs)
1937 -- Jan 30 to Mar 07	285	211,000
1945 -- Mar 23 to May 18	350	318,000
1950 -- Feb 10 to Mar 19	350	223,000
1973 -- Apr 08 to Jun 21	350	195,000
1975 -- Apr 14 to Apr 26	225	110,000
1979 -- Apr 18 to May 21	350	191,000
1983 -- May 20 to Jun 23	350	268,000
1997 -- Mar l7 to Apr 18	298	243,000

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