The mighty Mississippi River rolls by the city limits of St. Louis, Missouri, and it has captured the imagination of poets, songwriters, and historians alike. The mighty river is most famously depicted in Mark Twain’s classic book, Life on the Mississippi. The city of St Louis has been built around the river, and is heavily reliant upon its commerce and travel. But how deep is the Mississippi River in St Louis?
The answer depends on the season. During regular months, the river’s depth is typically between 8 and 10 feet. During flood season, however, the depth can rise to as much as 40 feet. This seasonal fluctuation is why St. Louis has been the site of numerous barge accidents, as the city lies in an area of the river where the water is constantly changing.
That is due to an upriver geological feature known as the Grand Rapids, a heavily-populated area that naturally slows and deepens the water as it approaches the city. This intensifies its flow, making it difficult to navigate without careful piloting. The strong current of the Mississippi is also unable to support bridges and other structures, so ferries and barge companies have come to play an important role in the city’s history and its development.
The presence of the Mississippi River does play a role in the larger ecosystem of St. Louis. The river introduces oxygen and nutrients into the water and the banks are covered in lush vegetation that provides habitat to a host of wildlife. The surrounding areas also provide opportunities for fishing, swimming, and other sports. The Mississippi is also a popular tourist attraction, with cruises and excursions available. For those who aren’t looking to travel, you can also enjoy river views from shoreline parks.
As can be seen, the mighty river that thrusts past St Louis is a crucial part of the city and its history. Its awe inspiring size and majestic presence provide a lifetime of education, entertainment and sightseeing. Understanding the fluctuation in water levels is important to prepare for the potential of flooding and to plan for river travel, but the power of the mighty Mississippi is undeniable.
Geological Makeup of the River
The Mississippi River forms the western border of St. Louis, and its average depth is roughly 25 meters. Its width varies back and forth between banks, with an average of just over 1,7 kilometers wide. It is a tidal river, meaning that the river’s water level can be influenced by the tide of the ocean. This has resulted in the occasional flood threat on St. Louis, which has been the site of some of the worst floods in the area’s history.
The course of the Mississippi River is shaped by its powerful current, the Great Bend in the river’s path, and the presence of crisscrossing streams and sloughs. It is surrounded by forests, prairies, and wetlands, making it an appealing spot for wildlife. Alligators, waterfowl, and some of North America’s last surviving species of freshwater mussel, the pallid sturgeon, can be found along the river’s banks.
The geological makeup of the Mississippi also influences its depth. Rocks, reefs, sandbars, and other underworld structures shape and form the river. Most of these structures are located upstream and are not visible to the naked eye, though they can be detected and studied with special instruments. Along with the depth of the Mississippi, they can also affect the speed and direction of the river’s current, allowing skilled pilots and experienced captains to read and guide their vessels down the river.
Implications of Low Water Levels
Despite its relative depth, the Mississippi has been known to experience droughts and low-level water during certain times of the year. When the river’s water level drops too far, it can halt water transportation and commerce, as vessels can get stuck on sandbars and rocky bottoms. During the worst cases when the water level is dangerously low, barge and boat companies are forced to close operations and restrict traffic in certain areas of the river.
The effects of a major drought on the river can also cause extreme downstream effects. Sudden drops in water levels can lead to suspension of agricultural operations, and the lack of a reliable water supply can lead to crop failure in certain parts of the nation. Since the Mississippi is responsible for transporting the majority of grain and other agricultural goods in the United States, there can be economic ramifications as well.
Fortunately, there are ways to address this issue. The US Army Corps of Engineers has dams and locks in place to help maintain a steady level of water in the river. As these dams have come into play, the frequency of flooding and droughts has decreased. By monitoring water levels and adjusting the amount of water being released, these dams can help to mitigate the effects of droughts and floods on human and economic development.
Environmental Impact of the River
Despite its many environmental benefits, the Mississippi River has been known to cause some environmental destruction. Fisheries, spawning habitats, and other aquatic species can be affected by fluctuations in water levels and pollutants getting dumped into the river. High water usage can also lead to decreased water availability for many species and ecosystems.
To combat environmental issues along the Mississippi, the US has implemented several strategies and regulations. Water usage is heavily regulated, and all violations are met with severe punishments. Industries are also monitored and restricted in terms of what products and chemicals they can release into the river. These steps have been taken in order to help reduce the amount of pollution that enters the Mississippi and maintain a healthy, balanced ecosystem.
Fallout from 2020 Floods
In 2020, the city of St. Louis experienced a major flood event. The massive amount of water that cascaded down the river caused extensive damage to the city, causing some of its bridges to collapse and areas of buildings to become inundated.
The damage was extensive, with estimates of the cost of repairs ranging from $750 million to $1.5 billion. Cleanup efforts have been ongoing for some time, but there are still many areas that have not yet been restored to the pre-flood level. Local businesses and homes were damaged beyond repair in some places, with hundreds of people forced out of their homes when the floodwaters hit.
This event has shone a spotlight on the issues of water management and flood control in St. Louis, and the US government is considering ways to increase the city’s ability to control the flow of the river. Some possible solutions include dredging the river, creating more dams and levees, or doing more research and development into how to best handle the water levels.
Mississippi’s Role in Economy
The Mississippi River has always been a major player in the economy of St. Louis. Shipping and transportation, particularly of goods from the Midwest and the Great Lakes, are integral components of the city’s growth. Aside from the straightforward financial benefits from trading goods, the Mississippi also helps to build a stronger infrastructure for the city and to bring in recreational and tourist opportunities, both of which are important for St. Louis’s economic well-being.
Traditionally, the primary focus of the local economy has been on transportation and industry along the riverfront. The Mississippi is responsible for helping to transport raw materials and products to markets, allowing companies to move goods more efficiently than ever before. Today, the river still serves an important role in the economy, with river-based operations that span various industries, including trade, travel, and tourism.
St. Louis is home to many companies that rely on the Mississippi to transport goods, such as wharves and ports. Cruise lines, towboats, barges, and freighters are all staples of the economy. The presence of the river has also opened up tourism opportunities, from sightseeing cruises to ferry trips, as seen in Mark Twain’s beloved novel. The presence of the river is key to the city’s economy, and its effects can be felt across the world.
Historical Role of the River
The Mississippi River has a long history in North America, and it has been an integral part of St. Louis since the city’s founding in 1764. As settlers moved west and developed the city, they increasingly relied on the river as a source of freshwater, transportation, and economic development. The river allowed goods to reach markets more quickly and safely, opening up entire regions of the country to trade.
Throughout St. Louis’s history, the river has been instrumental in the city’s growth. From geological makeups and the construction of levees and canals, the Mississippi River has been an important part of the city’s development. It has also been a source of commerce, recreation, and entertainment. From steamboat tours to entertainment cruises, the river has been a major draw for visitors from across the world.
The strongly flowing current of the mighty Mississippi has been famously documented in literature, folklore, and cinema alike. It is a force to be reckoned with and its power can never be understated. While low water levels can wreak havoc on the area, the presence of the river provides a sense of stability and security for those who live in and around St Louis.
