{"id":9888,"date":"2024-01-18T02:45:16","date_gmt":"2024-01-18T01:45:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=9888"},"modified":"2024-01-18T02:45:16","modified_gmt":"2024-01-18T01:45:16","slug":"how-deep-is-the-mississippi-river-in-feet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/how-deep-is-the-mississippi-river-in-feet\/","title":{"rendered":"How Deep Is The Mississippi River In Feet"},"content":{"rendered":"
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How does depth of the Mississippi River change?<\/h2>\n

The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the United States, extending from Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. It has an average depth of 156 feet, but the depth can vary greatly depending on the season and weather conditions. The depth of the river is also regulated by a system of locks and dams along its course, which can be used to control when and how much water passes through.<\/p>\n

The deepest parts of the Mississippi River can be found in its lower reaches. Near New Orleans, the river’s bottom can reach depths of over 200 feet, while in some parts of the river, such as the Upper Mississippi near St. Louis, the depths may only be a few feet. One of the deepest spots in the river is just south of the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Here, the depths can reach over 300 feet. This is due to the fact that the rocky terrain of the Missouri River creates a steep channel that drops sharply in the area.<\/p>\n

In addition, in certain parts of the river, natural events like spring floods and massive ice dams can cause the Mississippi River to become significantly deeper. During these events, the depth of the river can nearly double in some areas. The depth of the Mississippi River is also generally higher in its lower reaches than in its upper reaches due to the effects of silt being carried downstream from the Upper Mississippi.<\/p>\n

What factors affect the depth of the Mississippi River?<\/h2>\n

There are a number of factors that affect the depth of the Mississippi River. The most significant one is the amount of precipitation in the river’s watershed. During periods of heavy rainfall, the river swells and increases in depth. On the other hand, during periods of drought, the river’s level will drop. Furthermore, the amount of water released from upstream dams and locks can also have a direct impact on the river’s depth.<\/p>\n