Somewhere on one of these threads is a Times-Picayune graphic that shows a cross-section of the city between the lake and the river with a line designating sea-level and surge levels from escalating category storms.
Finding that graphic may answer your question.
And if you find it be sure to post a link.
What matters now is the elevation of the city, about which I have now become an expert. The areas near the river are all abo above sea level typically from 5-10 feet above sea level. There is no surge now. Some posit the lake is rising like a top. Is that creditable. Here is a pic. The one water way is about 2 miles wide and there is another, and the "land" area is swamp, and if it is more than a couple of feet high I would be amazed. The idea that the lake can rise much in calm weather strikes me as not creditable.
