Introduction
The Mississippi River is North America’s fourth largest and the world’s tenth largest river and is vitally important to the US economy. Spanning 2,320 miles, it runs through the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana. There are many questions surrounding its depths, especially that of Iowa, which boasts several meandering points. In this article, we will investigate just how deep is the Mississippi River in Iowa?
The Profundity of the River
At its deepest point, the Mississippi River in Iowa can reach depths approaching ninety to one hundred feet (27.5-31.5 meters) in certain sections. In other sections of the river, depths can reach as low as three feet (1 meter). This is much shallower than the Mississippi River gets at its lowest barge travel point in Louisiana where depths range from thirty to one hundred feet (9.2-31.5 meters). Currents throughout the river also vary greatly.
Most anglers are able to catch a variety of fish such as Catfish, Carp, Drum, White Bass, Walleye, Sauger, and other warmwater species. The river current is usually swift in deepwater areas, but below the surface, it is calmer. It is not uncommon for boat captains to navigate deep portions of the river where depths range between seventy five to one hundred feet (23.4-30.5 meters). One of the best fishing spots is the backwaters, where depths range from six to ten feet (1.8-3 meters). The river bottom is sandy and mud in most areas.
Rising Waters
The Mississippi River often rises to the point that it floods large areas of lowland. During rainstorms and spring snowmelt, the levels can rise quickly, making it difficult for even experienced boat captains to traverse the river. To make matters worse, many of the creeks, streams, and sloughs that connect to the Mississippi empty a great deal of water into the river, making it difficult to determine just how deep it can get in certain areas.
The US Army Corps of Engineers monitors the river levels and they advise people to pay close attention to the river’s level before heading out on the water. They often implement restrictions on vessels, such as recreational boats, that are deemed too large or too risky to operate in rising water.
Shorelines and Nature
The banks of the Mississippi River in Iowa are largely natural with the exception of some levees and locks. In the bottomlands, the riverside is mostly wooded, offering a great habitat for wildlife to thrive. The forests comprise of diverse species of hardwood, such as oaks, hickories, and maples, while the shorelines contain a mix of grassland, shallow water, and lowland vegetation.
The river also offers an abundance of aquatic life. Anglers can find bass, crappie, catfish, and other gamefish. Birdwatchers will delight in the sight of hundreds of species of shorebird and waterbird, including terns, herons, egrets, and ducks.
Boating and Fishing
Boating and fishing are popular activities along the Mississippi River in Iowa, with people travelling from far and wide to enjoy the spectacular views and unique wildlife it offers. Many anglers come to fish for trophy catfish, black bass, and sauger. Boaters enjoy the scenery, navigating the meandering river as they traverse from one destination to the other. There are many free boat launches along the river.
The Mississippi also serves as a great platform for recreation and sightseeing, with plenty of opportunities to explore the bays and backwaters. Paddlers and kayakers enjoy the challenge of navigating the river’s current or just spending the day fishing in the peaceful calm.
Safety and Regulations
The Corps of Engineers runs the locks which regulate the depths and water levels throughout the Mississippi River. As such, they strongly advise boaters to abide by their regulations. Strict fines are imposed on boaters and anglers who violate the Corps of Engineers’ rules. It is important to pay close attention to the weather and river conditions before heading out on the Mississippi.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources requires anglers to have the appropriate licenses and permits for fishing in the waters. All boaters, paddlers, and wildlife watchers should be aware of the safety regulations and obey them to the letter. Be sure to practice proper boating etiquette when traversing the meandering waters of the Mississippi River.
Impact of Human Activity
Humans have had a significant impact on the Mississippi River in Iowa. Portions of it have been widened and deepened by dredging. Common activities such as construction, mining, and industry are commonplace along the river and can significantly alter the river’s depth and ecosystem.
To mitigate the impact of human activity, the US Army Corps of Engineers has put in place an array of regulations to reduce pollution, restrict fishing, and limit boat traffic. The Corps also monitors the river’s condition to make sure it isn’t adversely affected by its activities. Despite these regulations, it is still important to practice responsible fishing and boating to ensure the safety and sustainability of the river.
Health of the River
The health of the Mississippi River in Iowa is largely dependent on human activity. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has taken steps to improve the health of the river by enforcing regulations on pollution and fishing, as well as limiting boat traffic. The US Army Corps of Engineers also contributes by monitoring the river’s condition and enforcing protective measures.
The health of the Mississippi River is also affected by rising waters and flooding, which can wreak havoc on the ecosystem. Communities along the river need to be prepared for these events to ensure their safety and protect the river’s wildlife.
Conservation Efforts
Many conservation efforts have been put in place to protect the Mississippi River in Iowa. Organizations such as the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and the Nature Conservancy have implemented initiatives such as river cleanups, habitat restoration, and water quality testing which help to improve the health of the river.
Other organizations such as the National Parks Service, the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the US Environmental Protection Agency have implemented regulations and policies which encourage conservation efforts and combat pollution.
Conclusion
Despite its immense size, the Mississippi River in Iowa can fluctuate greatly in terms of its depth and water levels. Its wild shorelines and vast aquatic life remain unchanged and the river remains an essential part of the state’s ecology and lifestyle. Through monitoring and conservation efforts, it is hoped that the Mississippi River will once again become a safe and healthy environment for the people and wildlife of Iowa.
