The Mississippi River is a dynamic system, continually responding to changes in flow, sediment, climate, and human activity. During periods of extreme low flow, those changes can become particularly visible—and their impacts can extend far beyond the river channel itself.
During a period of severe drought across portions of the Great Plains, Ohio Valley, and Lower Mississippi River Valley, the Mississippi River reached historic low levels. The conditions affected navigation and sedimentation throughout the river system while contributing to another challenge hundreds of miles downstream: the progression of saltwater upstream from the Gulf of Mexico.
For DynamicSolutions | DCCM, these conditions provided a firsthand look at the complex processes continually reshaping one of the nation’s most important waterways.
Studying Sedimentation Near Hickman, Kentucky
DynamicSolutions | DCCM engineers Christopher Wallen, Steve Sanborn, and Zach Wallen observed the effects of the low-flow conditions while beginning a sedimentation study near Hickman, Kentucky.
Sediment movement is closely connected to river hydraulics. Changes in flow can influence where sediment is transported, deposited, or eroded, creating implications for navigation channels and other river functions.
Understanding these processes is an important part of developing sustainable approaches to managing navigation while considering the broader environmental functions of the river.
When Low River Flows Affect Drinking Water
The impacts of unusually low Mississippi River flows were also being experienced much farther downstream.
Under low-flow conditions, reduced freshwater discharge allowed a saltwater wedge from the Gulf of Mexico to progress upstream along the Lower Mississippi River, affecting drinking water supplies downstream of New Orleans.
DynamicSolutions | DCCM’s Dr. William McAnally provided insight into the phenomenon for The Atlantic, helping explain the river processes contributing to the movement of saltwater upstream.
The event illustrates how conditions occurring across the Mississippi River watershed can create interconnected effects spanning hundreds of miles—from sedimentation and navigation challenges upstream to water supply concerns near the Gulf Coast.
Understanding a River That Is Always Changing
Change is one of the defining characteristics of the Mississippi River.
Its flows, sediment, channels, and surrounding ecosystems continually respond to natural and human influences. Periods of extreme high or low water can amplify those changes and create new challenges for the communities, industries, and ecosystems that depend on the river.
Through sedimentation studies, hydraulic analysis, modeling, and river engineering, DynamicSolutions | DCCM works to better understand these changing conditions and develop sustainable solutions that support both navigation and ecosystem services.
DynamicSolutions | DCCM works alongside public agencies and project partners to understand complex river systems and develop practical solutions for navigation, sediment management, water resources, and ecosystem needs.
Explore DynamicSolutions | DCCM’s services or connect with our team to learn how our river engineering and modeling expertise can support resilient, sustainable water resources solutions.
