Is Mississippi River Below Flood Stage at Alton
The Mississippi River is an integral part of the United States of America; it is the longest river on the continent and stretches from Minnesota, down to the Gulf of Mexico. Along its journey, it flows through 10 states and is home to many towns and cities, one of which is Alton.
Crossing from Illinois, the Mississippi River’s current flows into Alton and continues south. The city is located just six miles south of the river’s highest recorded crest in 1913, so it is no surprise that many people in the area are concerned about the Mississippi River’s flood stage. Is the river below flood stage at Alton?
According to Riverwatch, the water level of the Mississippi River at Alton is currently 5.6 feet and is within the normal range for this time of year. The Army Corps of Engineers requires the river level to be kept at or below 15 feet before flooding is expected from the river. The river has not gone above 7 feet in the past six years, but two years ago it did reach 13.1 feet.
“The Mississippi River is known to rise quickly and unpredictably,” warns Dr. Amy Henrie, a river-safety expert. “If the weather changes, the river can rise rapidly and catch people by surprise.” According to Henrie, people living in the Alton area should be vigilant and keep a close eye on the status of the river.
The Army Corps of Engineers is also very active in monitoring the river. They conduct regular inspections and maintenance of the levees, locks, and dams know as tain-banks along the Mississippi River. They also have systems in place to track the river’s stage and report potential flooding problems.
Despite that, some people in the community feel that the Army Corps of Engineers is not doing enough to protect the area from flooding. “The city of Alton is vulnerable to flooding,” says local resident George Newell. “We have seen the river rise more than 10 feet in the past and it was devastating. We need the Army Corps of Engineers to take more responsibility for protecting the area.”
The community has taken steps to protect itself, such as creating flood walls and launching a “2030 Flood Wall” initiative. The program calls for the construction of two flood walls along the Mississippi River:one between Alton and Granite City and one between Granite City and St. Louis. Both walls are expected to be completed by 2030.
Environmental Impact
The movement of water is essential to the environment, in particular, the Mississippi River. This is because it carries a rich source of nutrients and oxygen to wildlife, habitats and fisheries. Changes in the river’s stage can have a detrimental effect on the environment, particularly if it is consistently above the flood stage for an extended period of time.
High levels of water cause the river to spread out over its banks and flood nearby land. This can be especially damaging to plants and the soil and can have a lasting effect on the habitat. In addition, the sediment that is carried in the river can build up and interfere with the river flow.
The Mississippi River is also home to many species of fish, including catfish, and the changes in the water level and flow can be particularly damaging to their habitats. Experts agree that acting quickly to repair any damage and to keep the river within its normal range is essential for the health of the river and its inhabitants.
Economical Impact
It is no secret that the flooding of the Mississippi River can have a significant economic impact, especially on areas like Alton due to its location close to the rivers banks. A 2004 study found that flooding in the Alton area resulted in a 1.74% to 2.12% economic loss to the local economy.
Restoration efforts can also have an impact on the economy. Severe flooding can require large expenditures for cleanup, repairs and rebuilding, which may cause a strain on communities, businesses and individuals. The Army Corps of Engineers estimates that it may take up to $5 billion to restore the river and its banks.
The Mississippi River is an incredibly important body of water and the flooding that can occur should be regarded as a serious issue. It is essential for the protection of the environment, the economy and the safety of the people living close by.
Future Plans
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is planning to introduce lock and dam modifications along the Mississippi River in order to better control water flow. The plan is to construct a dam near Alton, which will span the river and feature two locks – an upper and a lower. The top lock would be used to contain and control water flow, while the lower lock would allow boats to pass through when the river is low.
This plan is expected to reduce the risk of flood damage, provide increased access to areas of the river, improve navigation, and promote the protection of wetland areas. It will also provide for better recreational opportunities and improved water quality.
In addition, the Army Corps of Engineers is also planning to introduce other flood control measures, such as building levees and flood walls, which could reduce the impact of flooding in Alton.
Community Efforts
The community of Alton has come together to form the “2030 Flood Wall” initiative, which seeks to raise awareness of the dangers of river flooding and to prioritize flood control measures in the area. The initiative emphasizes the need for collaboration and communication between federal, state, and local entities in order to protect the people and environment of the area.
Local citizen groups are also working hard to secure funding for flood protection components. They have organized volunteer clean-up events, held educational workshops to raise awareness of flood protection and prevention, and continually advocate for river conservation.
The community of Alton is committed to the protection of the Mississippi River and is actively working to ensure that its vital role in the environment and economy is preserved for future generations.
Prevention Measures
Making sure that people living in the Alton area are prepared for potential flooding is paramount. The Army Corps of Engineers has warned that the Mississippi River is prone to rapid rises and could cause flooding in a matter of days. They recommend that people in the area should monitor the status of the river and be prepared to move to higher ground if need be.
In addition to this, the city of Alton is also offering free sandbags to citizens who need them. The sandbags can be used in conjunction with flood walls, levees, and other flood protection measures to help prevent damage caused by flooding.
The Army Corps of Engineers is also educating the public on ways to prepare for a flood. They have released a variety of pamphlets and videos to inform people on how to develop an evacuation plan and create an emergency kit in case of an emergency.
Conclusion
At present, the Mississippi River at Alton is below its flood stage, but this does not mean that flooding will not occur. It is essential for people living in the area to remain vigilant and be aware of the potential for rising waters. The Army Corps of Engineers is doing their best to minimize the impact of flooding, but it is important for local residents to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property.
