This Is When The Mississippi Currents Are At Their Most Dangerous

Ever wondered about swimming amid the currents of the Mississippi River? Or have you ever imagined what kind of creatures lurk beneath its waters? The Mississippi River is arguably one of the most famous rivers in America, the second longest river in the North American continent and the second largest drainage system. The river is also home to a huge habitat diversity, with high biological productivity. It is also one of the most important commercial waterways in the world and a major migratory route for fish and birds in North America.

Long story short, the Mississippi River is one of the most important water systems in America. However, the river has also claimed many lives. With an average depth of 9 to 12 feet and the deepest point at 30 feet, it’s not hard to imagine why the river is also one of the most dangerous to swim in. But why exactly is the river terrifying? And when are the Mississippi currents most dangerous? Below we’ll explore the dangers of the Mississippi River and the worst times to swim in the current.

Why is the Mississippi River dangerous?

While there are many reasons why the Mississippi River is dangerous for swimmers, the most common reason is the strong current. As the world’s fourth largest drainage basin, the river spans 31 states and 2 Canadian provinces and flows at a million cubic feet per second. This would be enough to fill about six superdomes in just one second. So the flow of the river can be impressive but also dangerous.

The Coast Guard urges anyone traveling on the Mississippi River to know the dangers of high tides and strong currents. On the Mississippi River, higher-than-average water levels can result in strong, fast currents that carry a lot of waste and can endanger people. Currents that are stronger than normal can rupture and create vortices in locations where they may not have existed before, quickly putting a boat or person in a dangerous scenario.

Despite its breathtaking grandeur, the Mississippi River is a dangerous place to be. It has a reputation for being dangerous for swimmers to survive and every year people get injured or lose their lives in the water.

The Danger Beneath the Currents of the Mississippi River

The strong currents of the Mississippi River are one of the causes of this very dangerous nature. The Mississippi River runs for 2,350 miles, and the average flow rate or flow varies along its extended course. For example, the flow rate of this river around New Orleans, 600,000 cubic feet per second, is one of the highest. That powerful stream of water can kill a swimmer and completely wreck a small boat. In just one minute, the horizontal flow of the river can take you to the length of a few football fields. The general flow of this river poses enough risk to keep people out of the water.

When Are the Mississippi River Currents Most Dangerous?

Given the above information, it is clear that the Mississippi River is dangerous to humans year-round. However, there are certain months or seasons when the current of the river is much stronger and thus more dangerous. In general, water levels in the Mississippi River rise in the spring as the melted snowpack flows into the river system from the north, supplemented by some rain. During this period, the flow of the river is five times faster than in late summer. The rising water level makes the currents fiercer and more dangerous. In addition, it points to a greater risk of flooding.

The Mississippi River’s high water season typically lasts from December to May, peaking between February and May. It is a common misconception that this period is the only one with high water; however, it is known to occasionally happen between January and August. Episodes of accelerated floods and shoals can occur throughout the year. Large land areas drain into the river, and significant spring rainfall and snowmelt can cause rapid variations in water levels, making long-term forecasts for the region uncertain.

In 2019, the Mississippi River had high water levels through August. The Mississippi River basin has experienced several occurrences, including lost and tangled anchors and damaged moorings during the high tide period.

At which points in the river are the currents strongest?

Since the Mississippi River is 2,350 miles long, it flows through several streams and crevices. So it’s not surprising that there are certain points where the water is more dangerous than others. For example, river flows are much stronger where the river narrows. Imagine holding up a garden hose and covering half of the opening of the hose with your thumb. You will notice that the water flow accelerates faster than if you do not cover the other half of the opening. This is because there is less room for the water to flow through, so it squirts out faster. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Other factors can put you directly at risk when swimming in the river’s waters.

Which Parts of the Mississippi River Are Most Dangerous?

Another danger that awaits under the waters of the Mississippi is undertow. Undertow occurs when friction at the bottom of the river slows the flow. At the surface of the water, the current is still moving fast, and at the intersection of the two currents, the water changes into a corkscrew pattern. The swirling movement of the water is serious in a large river like the Mississippi. As a result, surviving an undertow is challenging. Even on calm days, this spiraling activity can take place. Since they can quickly drag a swimmer out to sea and make it a challenge to swim back to shore, undercurrents are quite dangerous.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) advises that the safest action when in an undertow is to relax and float. Don’t try to swim against the undertow; you just wear yourself out. Instead, swim at an angle away from the shoreline until the undertow no longer carries you, then swim back to land.

What are Eddies and why do they make whirlpools?

Another danger waiting in the Mississippi River is eddy. When the main stream of a river encounters an object, it creates an eddy current or rotating water flow. Eddies form behind things like submerged trees or rocks. The water flows around the rock or obstacle and creates a pool behind it, resulting in a vortex that can drag things or people underwater.

Eddies can be a few feet wide or several miles wide, and they can easily pull you down and trap you underwater if you get caught up in them. The National Park Service advises swimming over eddies rather than swimming with them to escape them. Always be aware of your surroundings and use caution when swimming in a body of water, as even on calm days, undercurrents and eddies can form.

Other dangers of the Mississippi River

Debris, trees, docks

The Mississippi River can seriously injure a swimmer, kayaker, skier, and others, even if they wear life jackets. Because the strong current can sweep past debris and remains of forest or other sharp and dangerous objects, swimming against the current is difficult and risky. The fact that you could suddenly be thrown onto a dock, boat, tree or other floating object makes the situation considerably more dangerous.

The National Park Service claims that when a fast current hits an object, it pushes the water up and over it. Therefore, the current will quickly wipe you out before you have a chance to grab it.

floods

Apart from the above, the Mississippi River floods are also deadly dangerous. Melting snow and heavy rainfall can cause abrupt flooding in the Mississippi River. Floods can endanger anyone near a river, as the fast-moving water can easily wipe out people, cars, and even buildings.

According to the National Weather Service, floods are the most common natural disaster in the US. River floods happen every year and the number increases in the spring. According to National Weather Service data, the Mississippi River floods every three years on average. However, due to annual weather variations, these numbers are always changing.

Pollution

One of the most polluted waterways in the country is the Mississippi River. Many things, such as industrial plants, sewage treatment plants and agricultural waste, are responsible for this pollution. Any water drained from farms is called agricultural runoff. Pesticides, herbicides and other potentially dangerous chemicals may be present in this water. Another major source of pollution for the Mississippi River is sewage treatment plants. Before discharging human wastewater into the river, these facilities treat it. However, some of the untreated wastewater finds its way into the river.