The mighty Mississippi River is the fourth longest river in the world, stretching for over 2,320 miles from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Over the years, the river has seen a number of changes, including the installation of a system of locks and dams to help regulate the river’s flow. Despite these changes, one thing remains constant: each year, the Mississippi River freezes over a certain length. In this article, we will discuss how far south the Mississippi River freezes, where freezing is more likely to occur and what impacts the river’s freezing has on the surrounding areas.
The freezing temperature of the Mississippi River varies greatly depending on the region. Generally speaking, freezing in the Upper Mississippi, which stretches from Minnesota to the Ohio River, occurs between December and February. By contrast, closer to the Gulf of Mexico, it is less likely to see temperatures that would freeze the river. However, it is not uncommon for below freezing temperatures to travel far enough south to reach the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and portions of Alabama, resulting in a partial river freeze.
When the Mississippi River does freeze over, ice floes can interfere with the flow of water and navigation of the river, making navigation difficult and potentially dangerous. To mitigate this, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has put in place a system of ice-cutting tugs, which use specially designed boats to break up and navigate the frozen parts of the Mississippi during winter months. The tugs help reduce tidal restrictions and maintain a safe navigation channel, allowing ships to continue to travel along the river.
The Mississippi frozen river can have a profound effect on the surrounding areas in terms of environmental and economic impact. Freezing temperatures can cause ice blocks to jam up, which can lead to flooding as the river bank and surrounding area become exposed to rising water levels. From an economic standpoint, frozen rivers can interrupt and reduce goods transport, as goods such as corn and soybeans rely on the navigable channels of the Mississippi River for transport. This can directly affect trade amongst the Mississippi River states.
In conclusion, the Mississippi River does freeze, but how far the freeze goes depends on the weather in individual regions. It is more likely for freezing temperatures to occur in the northern parts of the river, such as Minnesota and the Ohio River. Further south freezing could occur, impacting the flow of the river, navigation and goods transport, as well as having a number of environmental impacts.
Repercussions of River Freezing
The freezing of the Mississippi River can result in a number of impacts, both environmental and economic, due to the heavy reliance on the navigational lanes of the river. At times the build-up of ice can result in flooding which can have a huge effect on local towns and ecosystems. In addition, goods transport relying on the river’s navigable channels can be slowed or stopped due to the freezing effects. This can have a huge impact on the economy of the areas that rely on goods transport.
There are a number of potential solutions that can help reduce the second-hand effects of the freezing on local communities. For instance, higher levees and flood control measures can help to minimize the effect of flooding, especially in the low lying regions of the Mississippi. In addition, maintaining a navigable channel through the river can help to reduce the interruption of goods transport. The USACE has also set up a number of Ice-Cutting Tugs to help navigate the river during winter months, which helps to reduce the disruption to navigation.
Effects on Wildlife
When rivers freeze, the effects can also trickle down to local wildlife. The thick layer of ice which sits on top of the Mississippi River not only affects boats trying to navigate the river, but also local wildlife. As the river freezes, it restricts the movements of fish and other animals, limiting their access to food sources. In addition, plants and food sources that rely on sunlight may become limited or diminished, causing harmful effects to the local species which rely on these resources.
In order to help mitigate the effects freezing may have on the local wildlife, organizations like the US Fish and Wildlife Service have implemented various conservation efforts. For example, the Service has set up special fish ladders to help migrating fish pass through frozen waters, as well as stocking rivers with food sources to help counteract the decrease in resources. In addition, regulations targeting water levels have been put in place to ensure river temperatures do not drop too low, helping to reduce the effects of freezing on the local wildlife.
Protection of Property
In the cases of extreme freezing, the Mississippi River freeze can pose a threat to properties that have been built close to the river’s banks. In some cases flooding can occur, due to the pressure of down flowing water that can pile up its way up against the banks when parts of the river are frozen. Some counties in the states of Arkansas and Mississippi have implemented levee systems in an effort to try and contain some of the flooding impacts that the freezing can cause.
Furthermore, some towns have put in place special building codes to try and account for potential flooding issues in the future. These building codes require that new buildings that are planned for construction within close proximity of the Mississippi River exceed certain structural requirements. In addition, many counties have also implemented very strict fines for those who try to construct buildings that do not meet the prescribed safety requirements.
Precautions During Winter
The Mississippi River freezes mostly in the northern part of the country and freezes over south during more extreme cold temperatures. No matter the region, precautions should be taken before attempting to navigate the river during winter months. The USACE has set up a number of specific navigational guidelines to help prevent unfortunate incidents such as collisions and ice jams. These guidelines include making sure to have an updated nautical chart, ensuring that boats are equipped with the necessary ice safety equipment and understanding the local ice-breaking regulations.
When travelling on the Mississippi it is also important to be aware of changing weather and water conditions. This can include things such as having access to weather forecasts, having the knowledge of how to read water levels and keeping an eye out for oncoming ice floes. In addition, for those travelling on the Mississippi River during the winter months, it is recommended to keep an eye out for any signs of distress or warnings from USACE, as they are often the best source of information on local river conditions.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River freezes every year and affects the local area in a variety of ways. Though primarily affecting navigation and goods transport, freezing temperatures can also lead to flooding and harm local wildlife. To help mitigate these impacts, various organizations have put in place safety measures and regulations to protect people and the environment from the freezing effects of the Mississippi River.
