Introduction
The Mississippi River is an incredible natural wonder. Meandering nearly 2,340 miles from its sources in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa to its confluence with the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana, it is the longest and most powerful river system in North America. As the river flows south, it passes through four U.S. states and eight major cities, including New Orleans. Among these cities is La Crescent, Wisconsin, where the Mississippi River is particularly deep.
History
The Mississippi River has had a long and storied history with the region that is now La Crescent, Wisconsin. The Ojibwe and Sioux tribes were the first to inhabit the area and their wayfaring knowledge of the river’s natural ebbs and flows formed the basis for the river’s reputation as a lucrative hub for trading. The first European settlers began to settle the area after the Louisiana Purchase. Since then, the city of La Crescent has grown in population and economy due to its strategic location alongside the Mississippi.
Measuring Depth
In order for the city of La Crescent and other cities along the Mississippi River to properly determine how best to plan how to develop and utilize their riverfronts, they must first understand how deep the river is in this region. It is important to note that the depths of the Mississippi River can be greatly affected by seasonality and water discharge rates.
In general, the deepest parts of the Mississippi River can reach depths of up to 200 feet, with these depths typically seen furthest south near Louisiana. The depth of the Mississippi River in La Crescent, Wisconsin can vary greatly depending on the time of year and other factors. While the depth may not reach 200 feet in this region, it typically has an average depth of around 60 to 65 feet.
Uses of the River
For residents of La Crescent, the deep waters of the Mississippi River offer plentiful opportunities for leisurely activities like fishing, boating, and swimming. City officials in La Crescent have worked to improve access to the riverfront in recent years with the creation of two public boat launches, Riverview Middle Boat Launch and South Fifth Street Boat Launch, making it easier for visitors and locals alike to get enjoy the river.
The riverfront and its deep waters also present exciting economic development opportunities for the La Crescent region. The city is currently in the planning stages of creating a boardwalk leading from La Crescent’s River Park, which would give visitors and locals easier access to the riverfront and the potential to enjoy companies like boat charters and more.
Preserving the Mississippi River
Given the importance of the Mississippi River to the past and present activities of the city of La Crescent, city officials have often taken steps to preserve the river and its delicate ecosystem. In addition to banning the use of certain types of motorized boats on the river and working to clean up pollution, the city has also raised awareness of the importance of keeping the river clean by banning the use of glass objects near the river’s edge.
The Mississippi River has been the lifeblood of the city of La Crescent for centuries, and city officials and private citizens alike are working to ensure its future health and longevity. By setting these restrictions and raising public awareness of the dangers of pollution, the city of La Crescent is helping to ensure the safety and preservation of this cherished natural wonder.
Impacts of Climate Change
Like all rivers, the Mississippi River is subject to the effects of climate change. As temperatures across the U.S. continue to rise, water levels in the Mississippi River and other rivers have also seen a steady rise over time. For cities along the Mississippi River like La Crescent, this increase in water level is a double-edged sword: on one hand, the higher water levels can be beneficial for activities like boating, but on the other, it can increase the risk of flooding on nearby properties.
However, the effects of climate change on the Mississippi River can be mitigated with proactive planning from local and regional governments. By working to limit development on the river’s edges, increase climate- and water-resistant infrastructure, and promote public outreach about how to prepare for potential floods, cities along the Mississippi River can take steps to protect their local population and economy from the adverse effects of climate change.
Quake Monitoring
Due to its length and depth, the Mississippi River is particularly susceptible to seismic activity – especially in La Crescent, WI. In the event of an earthquake, the shaking of the riverbed can generate seismic waves that are powerful enough to be felt on the surface. These waves can also cause riverbanks to weaken and become unstable, leading to potential flooding.
For this reason, the City of La Crescent has implemented an earthquake monitoring system on the Mississippi River. The system, developed in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, uses an array of highly sensitive detectors to detect seismic vibrations in the river. The system will then send an alert to the city so that officials can take prompt action to address any issues.
Final Thoughts
The Mississippi River’s deep waters in La Crescent offer endless opportunities for recreation, economic growth, and resource preservation. With initiatives like monitoring for quakes and improving access to the riverfront, city officials are working to ensure that both visitors and locals can continue to enjoy the river and its resources for years to come.
