Atchafalaya River

Mile 316.3 - RBD Hydro Inflow Channel

John Ruskey

20 Apr 2026 � 1 min read

316.3 RBD Hydro Inflow Channel

This is the first of three openings sucking water out of the Mississippi for destination down the Atchafalaya. The hydro canal feeds the hydroelectric power plant and is always open with water flowing in. At low water only the hydro intake will be open. At medium water the auxiliary opens. At high water levels all three will be open and flowing strong. So dismiss fears of being snagged out of the main channel by an unavoidable currents. Keep your distance and carry on downstream paddling for the beautiful bluffs rising in front of you, the Tunica Hills at Fort Adams. Keep several hundred yards off the right bank descending as you approach mile 316, and watch carefully how the water is flowing. At higher water stay further out, at lower water staying out several hundred yards is enough. Do not make landings anywhere near the mouth.

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