The Mississippi River, sometimes referred to as the Mighty Mississippi, is the fourth longest river in the United States and the second longest in North America. Home to several tributaries, streams, and creeks, the Mississippi river extends from the northern reaches of Minnesota all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. In particular, the Mississippi River near St. Louis, Missouri is of interest and inquiry.
At the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers sits St. Louis, Missouri. The height of the river near St. Louis is determined by the position of the Upper Mississippi River Level at St. Louis, otherwise known as the Cape Girardeau. Furthermore, the Cape Girardeau Level is one of the three levels comprising the Mississippi River’s control structure, the other two being denoted by the Cairo, Illinois and the Vicksburg, Mississippi.
According to the US Army Corps of Engineers, the average daily high and low water levels of the Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau is currently at 11.8 feet and 9.9 feet, respectively. While high water levels may seem typical, they are actually higher than usual – the average maximum daily level is a 10.3 feet. The US Army Corps of Engineers explains that this increase in high water levels is due to an extended wet season, which means during certain times of the year the river can rise much higher.
The principal factor for measuring the height of the Mississippi River near St. Louis is the gauged monitoring stations at certain points throughout the river. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, these indicators of water levels are critical for predicting the behavior of the Mississippi River and its effects downstream. Knowing specific measurements at particular points along the Mississippi can be used to accurately forecast when a flood is likely to occur and anticipate how much of the river will be affected.
When studying the history of the Mississippi River, one must not overlook the importance of the levees. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers monitors and maintains the levees representing the guarantee of safety to the inhabitants near the river. The height of the levees along the Mississippi River depend on the expected water levels of the river; thus, these levees are built to protect the people living near St. Louis. The current levees protecting the Mississippi River near St. Louis are over 15 feet tall, making them capable of withstanding high water levels.
Yet, with all of the efforts taken to naturally control flows of the Mississippi River and with the superiority of the levees, property damage still remains a danger for those living near the river. Dutifully, the US Army Corps of Engineers continues to employ strategies for monitoring the height of the Mississippi River near St. Louis.
Benefits of Proper Hydrology Management
For centuries, hydrology experts have been researching and developing ways to better manage the rapids and surges of the world’s rivers. Proper hydrology management is always a top priority because critically elevated water levels can have devastating effects on river flora, fauna, people, and property. The Mississippi River near St. Louis is a prime example of how proper hydrology management can be beneficial.
The Wapsipinicon and Mississippi rivers, like many rivers around the world, have been affected by hydrology alterations. The US Army Corps of Engineers has implemented measures to ensure the proper management of hydrology and has found effective solutions of preventing, reducing, and mitigating floods. For example, the US Army Corps of Engineers has invested in numerous inundation models and continually monitors the Mississippi River near St. Louis.
The benefits of proper hydrology management are not limited to residential safety, but improving the health of the resource itself. Specifically, measures to prevent the Mississippi River from overloading with silt, sand, heavy metals and other pollutants are essential for the wellbeing of the natural resource. This is especially true for the Mississippi River near St. Louis where some of the greatest changes and impacts are seen.
Long-term hydrologic management yields payments for ecological goods and services. Proper hydrology management has the potential to improve water quality, reduce water-borne illnesses, protect aquatic habitats, and increase the efficiency of recreational activities. Ultimately, managing the flow and level of the Mississippi River near St. Louis benefits a variety of habitats, species, and people.
Finding Optimal Water Levels
The hydrological behavior of the Mississippi River near St. Louis has been closely monitored for decades by the US Army Corps of Engineers. By tracking the ebb and flow of the river, the USACE has been able to find the optimal water levels for this region. Optimal water levels for this region are not the same as the average water levels; but rather, the USACE aims to identify the perfect balance between flood mitigation, environmental protection, and recreational activities.
What is most unique about the hydrologic behavior of the Mississippi River near St. Louis is its seasonal behavior. During the wet season, which typically lasts between April and June, river levels are subject to significant fluctuations. On the other hand, during the dry season the fluctuations are significantly reduced and provide a more consistent picture of optimal water levels.
The USACE has identified the dry season optimal water level to be at 12.25 feet, as measured by the Cape Girardeau Level. The 12.25 feet rate is full pool, which is the highest possible water level for the Mississippi River near St. Louis during the dry season. A full pool also means that there is enough water in the river to support all recreational activities along with the necessary flood control and environmental protection.
Environmental and Recreational Effects of Heightened Water Levels
Though the Mississippi River near St. Louis is subject to many different fluctuations in water level, it is the high water levels that are most noticeable and potentially damaging. High water levels can have significant environmental and recreational implications, such as destructive flooding, changes in water quality, and decreased recreational opportunities.
High water levels often result in destructive floods, especially when combined with heavy precipitation. This puts upriver population centers at risk of being destroyed. Furthermore, high water can affect the water quality of the Mississippi River near St. Louis, resulting in clogged water intakes, the spread of bacteria and algae growth, and an increase in pollutants in the water.
The recreational effects of heightened water levels have been known to disrupt the recreational opportunities along the Mississippi River near St. Louis. Specifically, the high water levels can limit or disrupt boating, fishing, and other water activities, such as swimming and tubing. Additionally, it is much harder for people to access certain parts of the river due to the increased height.
Strategies for Mitigating Floods
The US Army Corps of Engineers utilizes a variety of strategies for mitigating floods due to the Mississippi River near St. Louis. In general, the strategies employed to mitigate floods are designed to protect the people, property, and the environment from the effects of flooding. One of the most commonly implemented strategies is the use of levees. Levees are large embankments that are built along the river to form a barrier and keep the water at bay.
The USACE also employs strategies such as dredging, releasing water into creeks and streams, and manipulating the flow of water at tributaries. This allows the USACE to reduce the amount of water in the river and keep it at a manageable level. Furthermore, the USACE partners with the National Weather Service in order to forecast water levels and buildup more accurately, thus allowing for a more proactive, preventative approach to flood mitigation.
In addition to the physical strategies for mitigating floods, the USACE has taken a more proactive, policy driven approach. The USACE engages in outreach with the state and local governments to educate the public on flood preparation and mitigation. This usually involves teaching the population about the potential impacts of flooding and the necessary steps to take in order to reduce the risk of flooding and its effects.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River near St. Louis, like other rivers throughout the world, is subject to shifting hydrology. The US Army Corps of Engineers continually monitors the height of the river as well as other vital water levels, while implementing strategies for mitigating floods. By finding the optimal water levels and properly managing hydrology, the USACE helps ensure the safety of the people, wildlife, and property. The USACE also encourages the public to educate themselves on the potential effects of flooding in order to better prepare themselves and the community.
