Formed by the confluence of the Missouri and Ohio rivers in what is now southern Illinois, the Mississippi River is the fourth longest river in the United States and the second longest in North America. It is also the largest river in North America in terms of discharge, measuring over 652 miles in length, with an average flow of 600,000 cubic feet per second. The Mississippi River is known for its wide ranging effects the on the United States, including its contribution to the economy of the region, its effects on transportation, agriculture, industry, and recreation.
The flood stage of the Mississippi River is defined as the point in which the water levels reach the “action stage”, and is a point of interest for flood planners, engineers, scientists, and the public alike. Included in the general term of “flood stage” are four distinct levels of action: minor flooding, moderate flooding, major flooding, and record flooding. Each of these is characterized by different levels of flooding risk. Generally speaking, when the river reaches 26 feet, upstream and downstream water levels become dangerously high and the flood stage is considered to have been reached.
Floods on the Mississippi River have historically wreaked havoc upon the local communities and environment. During the Great Flood of 1993, the Mississippi River overflowed to five times the normal water levels. The river flowed at an incredible rate, reaching as high as 1.5 million cubic feet per second – approximately three times higher than the average flow. This drastic overflow caused an estimated sixteen million acres of land to become inundated, with an additional forty million acres affected by flooding. During this event, fifty-three of the eighty-one Mississippi River lock and dam structures suffered substantial damage, resulting in an estimated total of $15 billion in property damages.
In the wake of this devastating flood, the Mississippi River Commission has been extremely influential in introducing measures to mitigate the risk and effects of floods within the United States. One such measure, known as the Flood Risk Reduction Program, focuses on reducing flooding through various methods including construction of artificial levees and other structures, restoring floodplains, property buyouts, and emergency management. This program has proven especially successful in reducing the impact of flooding on the area, and has saved potentially hundreds of lives.
While the Flood Risk Reduction Program has worked to reduce the effects of flooding, it is important to note that much of the Mississippi River is still at high risk for experiencing floods on an frequent basis. As such, it is crucial for those living in the river basin to remain aware of the flood stage and be prepared for the potential effects.
Flood Protection Assistance
Fortunately, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other organizations provide a number of programs to help residents in the Mississippi basin reduce the impact of flooding on their homes and property. Many of these programs focus on providing assistance in the form of technical advice, grants, and other resources for constructing flood protection measures such as building flood walls, levees, and increasing stormwater management. Also available are additional measures such as emergency preparedness planning, flood-proofing existing structures, elevating structures, and insurance programs.
The most common type of flood protection assistance comes in the form of federal investments. The United States government provides substantial funding for projects that have the potential to reduce flood damages, such as levee and floodwall construction. Although these projects have the potential to be extremely costly, they also provide considerable benefits and can greatly reduce the potential for flood damage.
In addition to federal programs, states, local governments, and tribal organizations also provide assistance in the form of technical advice, grants, and other resources for implementing flood protection measures. These programs are generally designed to help individuals and communities protect their homes and properties from future floods.
The importance of flood protection assistance for people living in the Mississippi River basin cannot be overstated. Knowing what the flood stage of the river is can help residents know when to take the appropriate measures for protection, which can ultimately help to prevent damage and loss of life due to flooding.
Environmental Impact
Living alongside the Mississippi River also has its environmental benefits, as the river brings in nutrients and wildlife to the area. However, the increased flow of water also carries certain risks, such as the threat of pollution and erosion. In addition to the potential damage to the environment caused by floodwaters, the increase of flow can lead to a decrease of oxygen, making the water unsuitable for many aquatic species.
Furthermore, the construction of man-made structures such as levees and dams also has the potential to alter the ecology of the river. By trapping sediment from entering the system, the amount of sediment accumulated in the river can drastically diminish, leading to decreased habitat and food sources for many species which depend on the river.
To that end, it is important for the public to understand the potential ecological effects of the Mississippi River in order to take appropriate steps to protect the environment. This includes ensuring that water quality is maintained and that the ecology of the river is preserved. Furthermore, it is important to stay informed of the latest developments in understanding the ecological effects of floods in order to be able to identify and address potential environmental concerns in a timely manner.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the flood stage of the Mississippi River is a crucial factor to consider for residents in the area. It is essential to be aware of the flood risk in order to take the necessary steps for personal and property protection. Programs and resources put in place by the army and other organizations can help alleviate this risk, but at the end of the day it is up to individuals to stay informed and be prepared for the potential effects of flooding. Additionally, it is also important to take into account the potential environmental impact of floods on the ecosystem and take the necessary steps to protect it.
