{"id":12819,"date":"2024-02-11T04:25:23","date_gmt":"2024-02-11T03:25:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=12819"},"modified":"2024-02-11T04:25:23","modified_gmt":"2024-02-11T03:25:23","slug":"what-is-the-current-new-orleans-mississippi-river-stage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/what-is-the-current-new-orleans-mississippi-river-stage\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is The Current New Orleans Mississippi River Stage"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Introduction<\/h2>\n

The Mississippi River flows through more than two dozen states and two Canadian provinces, constituting one of the most important water resources in the world. In New Orleans, the Mississippi River has been used for trade and transportation since the 18th century. Today, it is used for industry, commerce, and recreation. The current Mississippi River stage in New Orleans can affect everything from shipping operations to human health and safety. Understanding the current Mississippi River stage in New Orleans is essential for proper navigation and management of this important waterway.<\/p>\n

The Effects of the Mississippi River Stage in New Orleans<\/h2>\n

The Mississippi River is an important—and immensely complicated—waterway that creates a key element of the US economy and supplies drinking water to millions of people. When the river reaches its proper stage, commercial navigation and industries that rely on the river for their operations are able to benefit. At the same time, the proper stage of the river also ensures human health and safety. Too much water can lead to flooding, while too little water can result in the river hitting shallows and other concerns.<\/p>\n

Technical Data on the Mississippi River Stage in New Orleans<\/h2>\n

From a technical standpoint, the current Mississippi River stage in New Orleans is measured in feet above sea level. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers considers the “set-point”—the target or ideal stage—in New Orleans to be 17 feet. When the stage is below this point, shippers must be especially careful to avoid shallow water, while at stages above 17 feet, there is an increased risk of flooding. Currently, the level is at 17.5 feet, which is considered “slight flooding”. <\/p>\n

Analysis by Experts<\/h2>\n

Shelby Mango, CEO of Mississippi River Navigation Company, states that “It’s important to observe the current Mississippi River stage in New Orleans to keep operations and water levels safe for all river users. We typically aim to stay within the set-point of 17 feet, which is the safe zone for our freight and passengers.”
\nDr. Rachel Levine, a professor of ecology at the University of New Orleans, adds that, “We need to pay more attention to how much rain the region gets, because it can drastically change the current Mississippi River stage in New Orleans. We’ve seen flooding become more severe in recent years as ocean levels rise and the climate shifts, and that can cause negative effects on the river and the environment if it isn’t managed properly.”<\/p>\n

Potential Solutions<\/h2>\n