The Red Chute Diversion Structure is a completed flood protection project of the Bossier Levee District. The purpose of the diversion structure is to divert water from Red Chute Bayou over to Flat River during certain high water conditions and under U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) guidelines. By diverting the water to Flat River, the potential for the Red Chute Bayou Levee to be overtopped leading to flooding of the areas that are protected by it is greatly reduced.
By policy, the water can only be diverted when it reaches an elevation slightly below flood stage on Red Chute Bayou and when the water elevation on Flat River is low enough to allow for the additional water from Red Chute Bayou without flooding Flat River, with one exception. If it is determined that flood waters will overtop Red Chute Bayou Levees, the gates on the diversion structure will be completely opened in order to minimize flood damage to the Levee. This action is taken based on the fact that when the levee is overtopped, the flood water will go to Flat River whether the gates are open or closed.