A forecast of high water levels in the Mississippi River and its tributaries in Iowa prompted some officials to expect the Mississippi River to crest soon in Guttenberg, Iowa. Guttenberg, the city of freshwater beaches located on the Mississippi River in the northern tap of the state, was bracing for the potential impact.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) collected data from the region in the weeks leading up to the anticipated crest. The river levels had already exceeded the 10-year flood stage as heavy rainfall and water runoff fed into the Mississippi River. USGS levels gauges indicated that the water was within a foot of the long-term crest.
Mapping this data showed the looming danger of flooding for areas near the Mississippi River in and around Guttenberg. Local officials worked to ensure emergency plans were set and residents had the necessary understanding of what to expect when the river crested.
“This is a serious situation and residents need to take the proper precautions to ensure their safety,” said local emergency manager Jacob Dore.
“People need to be very aware of what is happening to be able to respond and prepare appropriately.”
Some experts anticipated more flooding than in 2019 when the highest crest since 1993 was recorded. Unfortunately, that prediction proved to be accurate with the crest measurement in Guttenberg reaching 23.1 feet on April 10th, breaking the 2019 record.
The high water levels at this part of the Mississippi River resulted in several issues affecting nearby communities. The constant backwater flooding caused levees along the river banks to be unstable, potentially washing away homes and other properties with its sheer force. The river also moved and shifted soil, creating a slippery and hazardous infrastructure for anyone in the area.
The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) implemented various strategies to prepare for the rising waters, such as diverting some of the water onto farmland and reducing turbulence to minimize the risk of levee erosion. However, the primary goal was to avoid as much damage as possible.
The USACE and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) worked closely together and provided significant resources to ensure the safety of residents and to allow for swift recovery of the region.
Habitats Impact
The high water levels in the Mississippi River not only had a direct impact on communities in and around the river, but it also had negative implications on the habitats supporting native species.
The concentration of sediment and sedimentation pools resulting from the rising waters meant the water was no longer suitable for the large variety of species that call this river and tributaries home. Native species such as the paddlefish, sturgeon, and freshwater mussels, were most affected as their habitats were rapidly disappearing due to washed-away food sources and spawning grounds, leaving them with few options to thrive.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) identified these species and worked to establish additional conservation efforts to support the impacted habitats. USFWS implemented a number of strategies, such as installing rock structures to slow the pace of sediment deposition, to address the negative impacts the river level increase had on these species.
They also focused on providing resources to local governments to assist in the response and recovery efforts. The USFWS provided technical resources and guidance to help communities with rebuilding and adaptive management.
In addition, the USFWS worked to coordinate with state and county agencies to identify geologic data that could be used to better understand, prepare for, and mobilize response activities for future flooding events. The USFWS successfully identified the risks associated with Mississippi River crests and provided key insight for the development of floodplain management practices.
A particular focus was on watershed management plans that concentrated on deep-water habitat management and reducing the risk of deterioration.
Misinformation Effects
In the lead up to the Mississippi River crest, there were a number of cases of misinformation shared on social media. This included warnings of a potential breach of the levee along the Mississippi River.
Local officials were quick to condemn the sharing of this false information and called on residents to rely on factual data instead. They worked with media outlets to alert the public of the potential danger of the high waters and to share proper evacuation instructions should flooding occur.
In addition, local officials navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and implemented the necessary regulations so that communities around the Mississippi River could be informed and prepared for the impending crest.
Officials published essential information about the heightened flood risk on government websites and sent out informative press releases to ensure community progression during the crisis.
Public Perception of the Crest
The public in and around the area taken the news of the crest differently. Some residents praised the preparedness of local officials, and the swiftness of their response.
Others complained about the lack of action resulting from communication delays and a perceived lack of time to properly prepare for the river crest.
Despite this, many were conveying a great appreciation and reverence for the power of the Mississippi River and being thankful that the loss of life and property was minimal. This crest provided a clear insight into the destructive potential of the river and a reminder of the importance of being aware and proactive to prevent large scale damages.
Adaptive Measures
After the Mississippi River had crested, the focus shifted to recovery and adaptive measures to prepare for future flooding events.
Local and state governments identified the need for substantive measures such as re-zoning of flood-prone areas and raising of critical infrastructure. These strategies went beyond flood mitigation as they worked to prevent long-term damage to the riverbanks.
The USACE actively worked with local and state agencies across the region to ensure these plans were in place should similar events occur again in the future. The agencies discussed areas that needed to be re-zoned and improved for long-term sustainability of the region.
These strategies emphasized issues such as the protection of habitats, conservation of lands, and the implementation of better land-use laws. USACE provided resources to help align state and regional strategies with federal regulations, and promote the development of strategies that complement one another.
In addition, USACE encouraged urban forestry and natural wetlands as they both provide tremendous help with water absorption. In this way, they helped manage potential flooding downstream, while promoting higher-quality habitats and a healthier natural life.
Land Use Regulations
The USACE is also advocating for the enforcement of Land Use Regulations (LUR) that impose stricter requirements for construction and development near bodies of water. These strict requirements give prioritization to preserving natural resources and ensuring the safety of inhabitants.
The LUR requires that any new development should adhere to stringent design specifications that anticipate the risks associated with flooding and other water-related hazards. These measures are intended to mitigate potential damages to properties and help protect against potential loss of life.
In addition, the LUR codes of practice emphasize the need to assess and manage runoff in residential and commercial areas to reduce the likelihood of extensive flooding.
The LUR also seeks to minimize illegal land-use activities, such as illegal dumping into bodies of water, by increasing penalties for such activities and by increasing public awareness.
Public Involvement
Guttenberg and the other communities around the Mississippi River have become an integral part of the discussion on how to prevent flooding related damage.
Through public forums, government press releases, and increased coverage of the events, the public was invited to provide feedback on the strategies being implemented.
The feedback and recommendations provided by the public focus on communication channels, more resources for mitigation practices, increased funding for recovery efforts, and stricter implementation of building codes that prioritize the environment and put safety first.
Ultimately, the Mississippi River crest in Guttenberg teaches us that while there is no way to completely prevent flooding disasters, it is possible to reduce their associated risk and provide meaningful responses to improve the outcomes. This can only be achieved through the coordinated efforts of governmental agencies and the involvement of local communities.
