The Mississippi River is one of the iconic bodies of water in the United States, stretching 2,350 miles from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, it passes through many cities and towns, including St. Louis, that rely on the river for transportation, recreation, and livelihood. Most of the river is wide and slow, with some areas of whitewater, but even in its calmer stretches, the river has the potential to be dangerous. How fast is the Mississippi River at St. Louis?
The flow or speed of the river is determined by rainfall and upstream water levels, as well as its own geographical features. The downstream flow of the river is constantly shifting and changing, with different areas of rapids and eddies. At St. Louis, the Mississippi River can range in speed from around 1.5mph to almost 4mph – with huge potential for variation. Certainly for anyone interested in rafting or navigating the river at St. Louis, knowledge of the typical flow speed will be critical.
In addition to each section of river having its own unique characteristics, there is also a general trend in the speed of the Mississippi. Watts Bar Lake, upstream from St. Louis, is the source of much of the water that passes through the city. In summer months the water is generally at its lowest, while in winter it experiences its peak flow. As the river continues downstream, the great volume of water it carries and the level of its banks create a certain sense of power. If a dam has recently been opened upstream, the downstream water will accelerate – resulting in a higher speed in St. Louis.
If a person is likely to be traveling on the Mississippi River in the vicinity of St. Louis, local knowledge and advice will be invaluable. Experienced seafarers and those who regularly navigate or raft the river can offer a valuable insight into conditions, as well as advice on where to go and what to expect. Even on a good day, the river can carry hazardous items and should be respected, as should the potential changes in flow and speed from one area to the next.
One way to get an idea of the current flow speed of the Mississippi at St. Louis is to look for data available from the US Army Corp of Engineers. The Corps’ Real-Time Water Data portal provides real-time data dedicated to the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Here, speed and depth information can be found, as well as other vital data that can help in safely navigating the waterway.
The speed of the Mississippi is a powerful force and while upstream dams can change the flow, the underlying movement of the water is determined by the size and shape of the waterway. As it passes through St. Louis and other cities along its route, the river slows and narrows, creating eddies and more unpredictable sections. This can increase the risk to those who are navigating or rafting the river – it is important for rafters to consider the speed and power of the water, as well as the potential for unforeseen conditions.
The speed of the Mississippi River at St. Louis varies and is highly unpredictable. This can be an exciting prospect for those who wish to raft or navigate it, but also carries a high degree of risk. Data from the US Army Corp of Engineers and local knowledge is essential for anyone wishing to travel on the Mississippi River in and around St. Louis.
River Opportunities in St. Louis and Beyond
St. Louis is located on the east branch of the Mississippi River and hosts a number of activities and amenities related to river life. There is a wide range of rafting and boating opportunities available, with several outfitters offering guided trips. Community organizations also offer outdoor sports such as fishing, canoeing, and kayaking, often led by experienced outdoors people. With an average flow in the vicinity of 16,000 cubic feet per second, there are also opportunities for hydropower generation, although the full hydro resource is not developed at this time.
The surrounding region is blessed with natural riverside beauty, from towering bluffs to broad sandy beaches. Where possible, the city has created parks and trails to enjoy the river, and the view from the arch is particularly inspiring. St. Louis is also the starting point of the Mississippi River Trail, a series of connected walking and biking paths that follows the course of the river for almost 3,000 miles through its ten states. It is hoped that the Trail will eventually connect many riverside communities, and provide a unique way to experience the river from the comfort of dry land.
Mississippi River Conservation
The Mississippi has been important to life in the area for thousands of years, and the modern lifestyle of many of its people still relies heavily on its duration. The river provides drinking water and supports diverse fish and wildlife habitats, as well as providing opportunities for recreation, transportation, and hydropower. In recent decades, however, the river has come under threat from environmental degradation, pollution, and development. In response, numerous initiatives have been launched to conserve and protect the river.
In 1998, the US Fish and Wildlife Service began the Mississippi River Conservation Program, which includes partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations and universities. The Program focuses on restoring and protecting habitats, species, and corridors along the river, and educating people about the environment. Since its inception, the Program has made considerable progress in conserving and protecting the vital resources of the Mississippi River. The focus of these initiatives has been on a multi-stakeholder approach to river conservation, with private landowners, government agencies, businesses, and local communities working together.
Mississippi River Education
In addition to conservation efforts, many organizations have sought to increase appreciation and understanding among the public of the Mississippi River’s importance. The Mississippi River Network, for example, provides educational programs for grades K-12, though which students learn about the environmental, cultural, and economic benefits of the river’s resources. The Network also works with communities to reduce unsustainable development and pollution, and develop a stewardship ethic among river users. The National Geographic Society, another important partner in the Program, brings attention to the natural and cultural heritage of the river through maps, books, and multimedia projects.
The Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in St. Paul, Minnesota has been a leader in public education related to the river. Through its exhibits, river cruises, and other activities, the Museum explores how both people and wildlife depend on the Mississippi, the history of the river, and the incredible journeys of some of its inhabitants. For example, visitors to the Museum can witness the life-cycle of freshwater mussels, learn about the significance of the Bald Eagle, and experience the stories of early explorers.
Mississippi River Sustainability
Sustainability is a key part of the Mississippi River Conservation Program. The Program seeks to reduce environmental impacts from development and other human activities, and provides tools and guidance to landowners who wish to practice best management practices on the river. These include such practices as managing nutrients, preventing soil erosion and sedimentation, engaging in integrated pest management, protecting shoreline habitats, and creating and maintaining streamside buffers. All of these efforts allow the river and its people to continue to thrive and enjoy its benefits.
The Program also works to increase public participation in river conservation efforts. Communities are encouraged to participate in the Program in whatever way they can, from working with students to develop conservation projects to organizing cleanups of the river banks, thus helping to protect the health of the waterway for the benefit of present and future generations.
Mississippi River Recreation
The opportunities to experience the Mississippi River are virtually limitless. Fishing is a popular and widespread recreational activity on the water, with many communities and organizations offering access to the banks and shoreline. The US Army Corps of Engineers also provides information on navigable sections of the river, which can be used to explore its many tributaries. There are also numerous public boat launches and public beaches along the river, providing easy access to more experienced canoers and kayakers.
Perhaps the best known recreational activity on the Mississippi is the annual River To River Park’s Paddlefish Festival in Hannibal, Missouri. This event brings paddlers and river enthusiasts together to celebrate the river and its beauty. Participants typically compete in races, participate in fishing tournaments, tour river facilities, and enjoy entertainment on the shores of the Mississippi. The Festival also serves as an educational event, where visitors learn about the importance of the river for conservation and recreation.
The Mississippi River running through St. Louis can be both captivating and dangerous. The unpredictable speed and flow of the river requires both experience and knowledge, and data from the US Army Corp of Engineers Real-Time Water Data portal provides an important resource for those intending to navigate the waterway. While the city enjoys a range of rafting, boating, and fishing opportunities, conservation and environmental protection initiatives remain an important part of the Mississippi River’s future.
