Definition
The Mississippi River is located in the United States of America and is the second longest river in North America, running 2,340 miles from its source in Lake Itasca, Minnesota, to its termination point in the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. It flows through or along the borders of 10 states over its course, and is a major thoroughfare for a variety of shipping and transportation, as well as a vital resource for a variety of communities on the banks of its path. LaCrosse is one particular city that is situated along the Mississippi, and is home to a variety of cultural and recreational activities that bring in visitors from all over the world.
Depth
The bottom of the Mississippi River varies in depth throughout its path. The mainstream deep pool navigation channels, for commercial transportation purposes, for example, is typically over 200 feet deep. For the portion of the Mississippi closest to LaCrosse, however, the average depth is quite shallow. According to the US Army Corps of Engineers, the depth of the Mississippi at LaCrosse is typically around 4 – 6 feet. This is because the area is mostly composed of sand and gravel bars, with specific channels, or deep pools, that are available for navigation.
Erosion
That said, the bottom layers of the Mississippi, even at LaCrosse, can be subjected to significant erosion, which can cause the water levels to drop in certain areas. Over the years, the US Army Corps of Engineers has worked to construct structures that are meant to help prevent this erosion, including dikes, levees, and dams, but it is an ongoing process that needs to be carefully monitored.
Restrictions
Because of the relatively shallow depth of the Mississippi River at LaCrosse, there are some inherent restrictions to consider when it comes to navigating it. In general, any vessels navigating the river are required to be deeper than six feet in terms of draft in order to avoid any problems or restrictions, and the US Corps of Engineers imposes several other restrictions to ensure the safety of navigation for all parties.
LaCrosse Riverfront
In addition to the shallow depth of the Mississippi River in LaCrosse, the riverfront area is also a popular destination for recreation. Visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, and other watersports, although there are certain restrictions that should be considered for each activity. Of course, the banks of the Mississippi are also a great place for picnics, nature walks, and even celebrity spotting, as LaCrosse is home to a variety of actors, athletes, and other famous people.
Benefits
The shallow depth of the Mississippi River at LaCrosse is also an asset, as it makes it easier for small vessels to navigate the river without having to worry about personnel getting stranded or hurt. Additionally, because it is so shallow, it provides an ideal environment for many species of aquatic wildlife, including fish, birds, and other forms of life. Lastly, the shallow depth of the river makes the area a great spot for various types of recreational activities.
Invasive Species
One potential downside to the shallow depth of the Mississippi at LaCrosse, however, is that it is more susceptible to the presence of invasive species. Many of these species can be damaging to the native species that live in the river, and for this reason, the US Corps of Engineers has implemented a number of strategies in order to try and reduce the impact of these species.
Impact of the Climate Change
Of course, the changing of the climate is also having an impact on the shallow rivers, as the water levels can rise and drop quite significantly in a short amount of time. The US Army Corps of Engineers has also been working hard to try and anticipate and cope with the changes that are occurring in terms of the water levels and the impact of climate change on the Mississippi, both at LaCrosse and along the entirety of its course.
When it comes to navigating the Mississippi River at LaCrosse, it is important to keep the depth of the river and any accompanying restrictions in mind. In general, vessels should be deeper than six feet and follow any additional safety measures that may be prescribed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. With these considerations in mind, however, LaCrosse remains an ideal place for commercial and recreational transportation and activities.
Recreation
The shallow depth of the Mississippi River in LaCrosse is ideal for recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, boating, and watersports, subject to any restrictions that may be present. The banks of the river also provide visitors with plenty of area to go for nature walks, enjoy a picnic, or even celebrity watching. All in all, the shallow depth of the Mississippi in LaCrosse provides recreational visitors with an abundance of possibilities and activities.
Wildlife
The shallow depth of the Mississippi River in LaCrosse also provides a great environment for a variety of species of aquatic wildlife, like fish, birds, and other forms of life. The US Army Corps of Engineers has implemented protections to help reduce the impact of invasive species, and their success has allowed native species to flourish in the river. This provides visitors with a unique chance to view some of the wildlife of the area.
Environmental Impact
The Mississippi River in LaCrosse also serves as an important resource for the environment, providing quality water for drinking, irrigation, and other uses. The shallow depth of the river also eliminates certain risks associated with navigation, such as personnel getting stranded or hurt. All in all, the benefits of the shallow depth of the Mississippi in LaCrosse far outweigh the drawbacks.
