VICKSBURG, Miss. (WJTV) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District opened the gates of the Steele Bayou Drainage Structure on Friday, May 9.

The gates, located 10 miles north of Vicksburg, have been closed since April 10 due to high water levels from the Mississippi River.

The Steele Bayou’s primary function is to prevent reverse flow from the Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers into the Yazoo Backwater Area, thereby protecting critical infrastructure, agricultural lands, and communities.

Water levels on the Yazoo Backwater side of Steele Bayou crested at 91.3′ before the gates were opened.