The Mississippi River Low
The Mississippi River is one of the planet’s mightiest, most iconic rivers. It snakes its way through 10 states, and at 2,340 miles long, it’s the second longest river in North America. But it’s not always the same. Depending on the time of year, the Mississippi River can be much higher or much lower. Understanding the Mississippi River Low is key to navigating her, and can affect how we use and interact with the river.
Mississippi River Levels
The Mississippi River is a tidal river, meaning its levels are affected by the tides and ocean levels. The tides in the oceans affect the pressure on the rivers, and that causes the Mississippi’s levels to waver. But the levels of the Mississippi River are also affected by humans. An intricate network of locks and dams have been built along the river in order to control the Mississippi’s levels. The Army Corps of Engineers controls the locks and dams and can lower or raise the river’s levels by opening or closing the locks and dams as needed.
Low Season
The low season for the Mississippi River occurs in the summer and late spring. This is typically when the hottest and driest part of the year occurs, and during this time, the river is much lower. This is because there is less water entering the river, both because of reduced snow melting in the upper Midwest and rainfall in the South. The Corps of Engineers also often opens the locks and dams during this time to allow the river to move more freely, and this can also cause the levels to drop.
As the river drops during this time, so do the water levels in towns and cities along the river. Businesses and homes in these areas get particularly affected, as the lack of water can cause flooding, lack of transportation, and other economic issues. This is why it’s incredibly important for those who live along the river to understand where the Mississippi River low is and is not.
Global Warming
Global warming is having a major impact on the Mississippi River Low. As the climate continues to heat up, the snow melting that plays a major role in filling up the river begins to happen earlier in the year and at a faster rate. This, in turn, causes the river to rise earlier and much higher than it used to. And preliminary studies also suggest that this trend of a rising river level may continue well into the future.
Experts are still determining the full effects that this may have on the people and towns that live along the river’s banks. However, some warn that it could mean more flooding, more destruction, and more headaches for those who make their home along the river.
Navigating the Mississippi River requires an understanding of when the river is low. Knowing when the Mississippi River low is helps people living along the river plan their activities and decide how best to utilize the resources of the river. Additionally, understanding when the river is low helps people determine the safest way to navigate and explore the area.
While the Army Corps of Engineers does its best to monitor and control the river levels, understanding the natural patterns and cycles of the river is essential if you plan on spending any time on the Mississippi River. The average person may not be able to control the river levels, but they can control how they interact with it.
River Management
The Mississippi River Low is a delicate balance between the natural cycle of the river and the various locks and dams that are used to control it. While these locks and dams have been incredibly beneficial in helping make navigation of the river easier, it also means that humans have significant power in determining how much the river rises and falls. In recent years, this power has come under scrutiny, with some arguing that better management of the river could alleviate some of the issues associated with the river’s lows.
The Army Corps of Engineers has been the primary body in charge of managing the Mississippi River Low for nearly a century, but new voices and perspectives have emerged in recent years that call for a more nuanced understanding of how the river works and how to use its resources responsibly.
Local Efforts
The Mississippi River Low has also meant that locals have had to come up with ways to manage the rivers levels on their own. A combination of engineering efforts and local knowledge has led to a number of creative solutions to the river’s low points. Local projects, like levee systems, dredging, and floodplains, have been undertaken in an effort to prevent and mitigate the worst of the river’s low points.
Additionally, local awareness initiatives and campaigns have been started to educate people about the Mississippi River Low. These initiatives work to both educate people about the river’s cycles and help them be better prepared when the river runs low.
Impact On Environment
The Mississippi River Low can have significant impacts on the environment, especially concerning the wildlife that inhabits the area. As the river drops, fish become more concentrated in shallower waters, creating an easy target for predators like birds and otters. This can lead to both a decrease in fish numbers as well as changes in the overall ecology of the river.
The Mississippi River Low can also affect the ecosystem of the river by altering the amount of sediment and nutrients in the areas where the river is low. This can have an adverse effect on the aquatic plants, which need a certain level of sediment to survive, and can ultimately lead to a decrease in the variety of wildlife inhabiting the river.
Recreation
When the Mississippi River Low is at its lowest points for the year, navigation and recreation can become increasingly difficult. Boaters and fishers must be extra diligent when navigating the low points of the river, as the lack of water can make it more difficult to maneuver. Additionally, swimming in the river also becomes more of a challenge, as the lack of water can make the process even more dangerous.
The Mississippi River Low is an ever-changing beast, and those who choose to explore the river must be prepared for its changing levels, both mentally and physically. Knowing the basics of the Mississippi River Low, and the dangers that come with it, are key to having the safest possible experience on the river.
Education and Training
Navigating the Mississippi River Low can be dangerous and time consuming if you don’t know what you’re doing. That’s why organizations like the US Federal Emergency Management Agency have put together a Mississippi River Low Education Program. This program is designed to help people learn about the Mississippi River Low and the dangers it can pose to those venturing near it. The program also provides resources and advice on how to act responsibly when the river is low.
Additionally, there are plenty of organizations and independent trainers out there who can help people learn the ropes when it comes to navigating the Mississippi River Low. Learning how to navigate the deep, swift waters during low season is an essential skill for anyone who plans to spend a significant amount of time on the river, and taking such classes can be a great way to stay safe and make the most of your time on the river.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River Low poses both a challenge and an opportunity. On one hand, it can create dangerous conditions that can make navigation and recreation of the river more difficult. On the other hand, it can provide a unique opportunity to understand the inner workings of the river and learn how to use its resources responsibly.
Whether you choose to brave the Mississippi River Low or simply learn about it from a distance, it’s clear that understanding the river’s lows is key to enjoying and responsibly navigating the Mississippi River.
