The Mississippi River is the longest river in the US and is a major thoroughfare for water traffic. It passes through or along the borders of 10 US states: Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota. Its headwaters are in the Midwest, and it empties into the Gulf of Mexico. Though it is winding and complex, the river can generally be broken down into three portions: the Upper Mississippi, the Middle Mississippi and the Lower Mississippi. Because the river is so powerful, it can affect the landscape in other areas inland — including Westwego.
Westwego is a small city located in the New Orleans region of Louisiana. It is located along the Mississippi River’s West Bank, approximately ten miles from New Orleans. The city’s proximity to the river has been both positive and negative — while it is able to reap the benefits of river-borne commerce, it is also vulnerable to flooding and storm surge. However, the relative heights of Westwego and the Mississippi River can be hard to judge, so it helps to have a bit of knowledge about their relationship to better understand what lies beneath the surface.
In terms of absolute elevation, Westwego is anywhere from 12 to 17 feet above sea level. This is slightly higher than the average elevation of the Mississippi River, which is usually between 10-15 feet above sea level. Although this may seem like a small difference, it is large enough to have important consequences for the local environment. The slightly higher elevation of Westwego means that flooding from the river is not as big of a problem as it could be, since the city is that much further from the waterline.
However, the elevation of Westwego must be viewed in context. The river is dynamic and its water level can fluctuate according to factors such as heavy rain, snowmelt, and pressure from upstream. In such cases, the higher elevation of Westwego offers a limited amount of protection, but it is definitely not immune to flooding.
In addition, the ground of Westwego is affixed with a substantial levee system that can help protect the city from flooding. The city had to build up the levees shortly after it was established, when the area was struck by a devastating flood in 1871. Ever since then, the levees have been fortified and improved to help ward off the effects of future floods.
The levees have been in place for many decades, but the effectiveness of the system is still a matter of debate. Despite the system, the city did not fare well in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, when much of the region was submerged. The experts suggest that the levees themselves weren’t really to blame — it was more so a matter of infrastructure, specifically the pumps and canals that are used to channel floodwaters away from the area. Without these, the waters from the river often inundate much of the city.
However, when the pumps do work properly and the levees are in place, the height of Westwego relative to the Mississippi River makes a real difference. The slightly higher elevation provides the city with an additional measure of protection, which is crucial during storms and floods.
Impact on Residents
The city’s elevation is directly connected to the safety and daily lives of its residents. Low-income or elderly residents may not be able to afford to evacuate during certain crises and must rely heavily on the protection offered by the levees and the civic infrastructure. The higher elevation of Westwego means that these residents are that much closer to safety in times of need.
The higher elevation of Westwego also means that city services may be better able to respond to potential flooding, since they are not as close to the water line. The city may be able to take more preventative measures more quickly and may have the option of utilizing the natural features of the area, such as the raised ground, to better protect the area.
Though the higher elevation of Westwego does not render it immune to flooding, it does provide a bit of an extra cushion and gives the city an additional measure of protection from the might of the Mississippi. This is an important fact for people who live in the city, as well as anyone who may be considering relocating or visiting the area.
Economic Benefits
The city of Westwego is highly dependent on the Mississippi and the economic benefits it provides. The river serves as a major waterway for commerce, which is essential for the local economies in the area. It is also a popular tourist destination, as many visitors seek out the unique sights, sounds and culture of the area. The higher elevation of Westwego means that it may be able to reap the benefits of river-borne commerce with a bit more safety and security.
The city is also an important port of entry for many goods that are shipped from abroad. The higher elevation of Westwego helps make it an attractive destination for such freight, since it is further removed from the possibility of flooding and storm surge. This helps to stimulate the local economy and provides valuable resources to the area. Such activity is also good for local employment, as companies are more likely to invest in a city that seems to be safe from the dangers that threaten other areas.
Air Quality
The higher elevation of Westwego also provides a cleaner atmosphere than the areas closer to the Mississippi River. Waterways like the Mississippi often suffer from air pollution and the associated health hazards. Westwego is positioned just far enough away from the river that it may be able to take advantage of cleaner air without having to invest in costly infrastructure.
In addition, the surrounding area is generally greener and more rural as a result of its higher elevation, further aiding air quality. This means that the air in Westwego is usually much easier to breathe, thereby improving the overall health of its inhabitants. The higher elevation of the city is a direct benefit for the local environment.
Safety Considerations
The slightly higher elevation of Westwego is essential for the safety of its inhabitants in the event of a flood or other natural disaster. In a city like New Orleans, which is located closer to sea level, any type of heavy rainfall or surge in the Mississippi can put a significant portion of the population at risk. Westwego’s slightly higher elevation offers an additional line of defense against such events, as it is further removed from the waterline and less likely to be flooded.
In addition, the higher elevation of Westwego means that it has more natural features such as hills and ridges that can be used to help slow down the flow of water. These features can provide an additional measure of safety in the event of a flood, allowing the city to better manage the situation and potentially save lives.
Conclusion
The higher elevation of Westwego is an important factor to consider when evaluating the city’s relationship to the Mississippi River. It is an essential protection for the city’s inhabitants and provides important economic benefits to the local area. The higher elevation also helps to create cleaner air, which can sometimes be hard to come by along waterways. Though Westwego is certainly not immune to flooding, the higher elevation gives it an additional layer of protection, which can help the city weather any storm.
