Winter is a time of excitement, anticipation and worry. Do the temperatures drop down enough to freeze the mighty Mississippi river? This river is the fourth longest river in the U.S., stretching 2,350 miles. It is a vital source of water, transporting goods and allowing people to boat, fish and otherwise enjoy its waters. It is natural to wonder if the temperatures will drop enough to freeze over this river.
Most rivers freeze in winter, but not all rivers freeze equally. During a cold winter, the Mississippi River will likely freeze anywhere from its headwaters in Minnesota to its mouth in Louisiana. The grade, or slope, of the river is one factor that determines if a river will freeze. In the case of the Mississippi River, its slope is very gradual and so it does stay open to a greater degree than rivers with steeper gradients. As the river is wider, it also will freeze more slowly than smaller rivers.
Precipitation plays a large part in freezing events. Melting snow and rain can further reduce the freezing power of cold air. In the case of the Mississippi, it is also likely fed by warmer or saltier water from the Gulf of Mexico, adding to its anti-freeze properties. Warmer exterior water will flow in to parts of the river, which can phase shift the entire body of water, and consequently prevent it from freezing.
Weather plays an obvious part in if and when the river will freeze. Local conditions can vary greatly and can influence if the river will freeze.It typically takes temperatures of 28 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods of time for the Mississippi to freeze. Once this temperature is reached it can take between two to three days for the entire river to freeze.
On occasion, the Mississippi River will freeze. It has been known to freeze as far south as Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The last major freeze reported along the Mississippi was in January 1977. Other reports cite a major freeze of the river in 1963 when chunks of the river were covered in ice and the water temperature was recorded as low as twenty-six degrees Fahrenheit.
The question of whether or not the Mississippi River will freeze really depends on many different conditions. It doesn’t, however, solely depend on temperatures, since there are other factors like precipitation, river grade, and the flow of external water sources to consider. While it certainly is possible for this large body of water to freeze, instance of such happening are less common then many would think.
Timeline of Freezing Events
One of the earliest records of the Mississippi River freezing was reported in 1833 when it froze from St. Louis, Missouri to New Orleans, Louisiana. This period of freezing was caused by a very cold winter which caused the river to ice up from its source to its mouth. There were also reports of people walking across the surface of the frozen river. Another incident took place in 1904, when the river froze in St. Louis for a duration of fourteen days.
The river also froze in 1936 during the Great Depression and again in 1963 during an extreme cold winter. The cold weather caused the river to freeze from the headwaters down to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. People have reported seeing chunks and sheets of ice, as well as people driving cars on the frozen surface. The most recent freezing incident of the Mississippi River happened in 1977.
Effects of Freezing
When the Mississippi River freezes, it can have detrimental effects to the infrastructure of the cities, towns and communities along its banks. Ice can damage docks and piers, interrupt the navigation of vessels and potentially cause flooding to the surrounding areas.
The ice buildup along the river banks can also be a danger to people and property. Large chunks of ice can break loose from the main body of frozen water and move downstream at high speeds. These ice chunks, known as ice jams, can cause significant damage downstream. There have been instances of entire bridges and docks being washed away due to ice jams.
Prevention Efforts
Local municipalities along the Mississippi River take various measures to prevent the river from freezing during winter months. Ice booms are strategically placed at certain points along the river so as to keep the ice from moving downstream and creating dangerous ice jams. The local authorities also utilize ice cutters and breakers to keep the ice under control. They have also been known to employ snowplows and bulldozers to help break up the ice.
Furthermore, power generation and large dams along the Mississippi have been cited as a way of controlling the water temperature of the river. By using the large turbines and gates in these dams, municipalities can regulate water temperature and currents. This helps to ensure that large ice chunks do not form in certain areas of the river.
Environmental Impact
When the Mississippi River does freeze, it can have serious impacts on the environment and animals. For example, the thick ice can restrict the flow of water, thus disrupting oxygen levels and disrupting the delicate balance of the aquatic eco system downstream. In extreme freezing events, wildlife such as fish and turtles can become stuck in ice and unable to move because of the drastic drop in temperatures.
In addition, ice can also harm aquatic plants by preventing them from receiving sunlight or damage their roots. An effect of the ice on the local environment can be seen in the form of flooding. When snow and ice melts, many rivers can surpass the river’sbanks and flood the surrounding areas.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River does freeze, but it is not a frequent occurrence. It typically takes cold winter temperatures for prolonged periods in order for this large body of water to freeze. When this happens it can have serious consequences to the communities, towns and cities nearby. Local authorities do their best to prevent the river from freezing and to mitigate the effects of flooding and environmental damage. By understanding the factors that can lead to freezing and being prepared, we can do a better job of preventing the river from freezing over.
