River Width in Memphis
The Mississippi River, otherwise known as ‘Old Man River’, is a major part of the southern United States and is a key part of USA culture. With one of its major branches running through Memphis Tennessee, there is a significant amount of human activity along the banks of the river, from shipping to recreation. But for exactly how wide is the Mississippi River in Memphis Tennessee?
The width of the Mississippi River in Memphis changes from day to day, as the water level and associated environmental conditions dictate. While the average width of the river is usually recorded as 1.3 kilometers (0.8 miles) across, at the peak of the summer season, the Mississippi River has been known to expand to around 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) at its most broad point.
Throughout the rest of the year, the Mississippi River tends to be a lot narrower, with most geographers saying the average width of the river can range between 0.8 to 1.1 kilometers (0.5 to 0.7 miles) at its most narrow point. During periods of high water however, this width can much larger, with the official US Geological Survey research showing that the widest point of the Mississippi River expanding up to 16 kilometers across.
While this phenomenon looks impressive from the outside, it can have a devastating effect for those living in the area. During the 2018 floods in the midwest, the swollen Mississippi River caused devastation in several towns located along its banks. What’s more, with each consecutive flooding season, the high waters of the Mississippi River become more frequent, leading to a greater and greater risk of property damage for anyone who lives in the area.
According to local experts, the best way to stay safe from the high waters of the Mississippi is to monitor the flow levels regularly and keep an eye out for any changing conditions. During the peak of the summer, when the river is at its wides and the water levels are at their highest, it is especially important to avoid the area and stay clear of the shoreline.
Despite the potential danger posed by the Mississippi River’s powerful current, the area has still become an attractive tourist spot. During the summer, hordes of people come to enjoy the views along the River’s banks, whether it be for fishing, pleasure cruises, or whatever else.
This has become a significant source of income for many of the local businesses in the area, with several companies offering activities such as boat trips, canoeing, or various other water-based activities along the Memphis stretch of the river.
Safety Concerns
Since the Mississippi River is known to swell up and down considerably over the course of the year, safety concerns surrounding swimming and other recreational activities at the river’s banks must be taken very seriously. At the very least, all river users should be aware of the oft-changing water conditions and be sure to practice extra caution when navigating the waters.
For those interested in swimming, local health and safety officials recommend avoiding the river during times of high water when the flow levels are particularly strong, which can make swimming in the river quite dangerous. On the other hand, during the fall and winter seasons when the water levels tend to be lower, the risk of injury is much lower and swimming can be considered a safe and enjoyable activity.
Overall, the Mississippi River in Memphis is a great place to go and explore the local scenery. As long as the water levels are monitored and suitable precautions are taken, the river can be a safe and enjoyable spot for recreational activities in the area.
Impact on local wildlife
The wide reach of the Mississippi River and its fertile waters mean that the area is home to abundant wildlife, both in and around the river itself. Throughout the year, this provides a healthy habitat for both a diverse range of land-based and aquatic creatures, with some of the more common wildlife including fish, reptiles, amphibians, and birds.
In addition, certain species of waterfowl, such as ducks and geese, are attracted to the Mississippi River in Memphis as these animals are particularly well adapted for foraging in and around large bodies of water. The widely fluctuating water levels mean that these birds have an ample food source all year round, ensuring a healthy population during the winter months when surface waters tend to recede.
By providing a safe and diverse habitat for various species, it is easy to see why the Mississippi River is an important feature of the Memphis landscape. Without it, not only would the area lack a major population attraction, but the local wildlife would suffer as well.
Water Quality
In terms of water quality, the Mississippi River in Memphis tends to remain relatively clean throughout the year. The river’s naturally slow flow rate, coupled with its wide banks, ensures that a healthy amount of oxygen remains in the water, making it safe for both humans and animals.
Because of the high natural inquality of the river however, local officials take a proactive approach to protecting the waterway through testing, so as to identify any potential problems which could be caused by environmental pollutants or untreated sewage.
Additionally, many initiatives have been put in place to keep the river in good working order. For example, the Memphis Environmental and Conservation Board (ECB) have introduced a series of measures designed to ensure the water remains clean and healthy, with local authorities regularly testing the river for the presence of pollutants and conducting surveys to monitor the fish population.
These initiatives, coupled with the wide reach of the Mississippi River, have worked together to ensure the river remains in fit and healthy condition for locals and visitors alike.
Recreational Opportunities
The wide reach of the Mississippi River also provides an opportunity for people looking to enjoy recreational activity in Memphis. The river is a major draw for kayaking and canoe enthusiasts, with several companies in the area offering guided tours of the river and its surrounding areas along with gear and safety instruction.
The wide, slow moving waters of the Mississippi also make it an ideal spot for anglers. Fishing enthusiasts flock to the river to take advantage of the abundant fish population, with a wide range of boats and other gear available for hire in the area.
For those looking for an even more thrilling ride, white water rafting can be found further south of Memphis. Excursions like this allow you to take on the river and its fast flowing waters, though it’s important to keep safety in mind when taking on these activities.
The wide variety of recreational opportunities available along the banks of the Mississippi River in Memphis has made the river a popular attraction for those looking for some fun whilst visiting the area.
