What Is the Mississippi River Stage at New Madrid Missouri?

By Robert Palmer

The Mississippi River is one of the most iconic and important rivers in the world. It stretches over 2,300 miles from Minnesota to Louisiana and serves as a crucial waterway for transportation, commerce, and recreation. One of the most interesting features of the Mississippi River is its stage at New Madrid, Missouri.

What Is a River Stage?

A river stage is essentially the height of a river above a predetermined level called a “zero gauge.” This zero gauge level is usually set at an elevation where the river is safe for navigation. The stage is measured using a device called a “gauge,” which uses sensors to measure the height of the water above the zero gauge.

The Importance of Monitoring River Stages

Monitoring river stages is essential for many reasons. For example, it helps determine if the river is safe for navigation or if there are any hazards such as sandbars or submerged objects. Additionally, it can help predict flooding events and allow authorities to issue warnings and evacuate people who are in harm’s way.

The Mississippi River Stage at New Madrid

New Madrid, Missouri, is located near the southern end of Illinois on the Mississippi River. The gauge at New Madrid measures both water level and flow rate. The National Weather Service (NWS) operates this gauge and provides real-time data on their website.

Why Is New Madrid Important?

New Madrid is important because it’s located near several major cities along the Mississippi River, including Memphis, Tennessee; St. Louis, Missouri; and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. These cities rely heavily on transportation along the river for commerce and industry. Monitoring river stages at New Madrid helps ensure that navigation on this critical waterway can continue safely.

How Is Data Collected?

Data on river stages at New Madrid are collected using sensors installed on a bridge over the Mississippi River. These sensors measure the height of the water and transmit that data to a monitoring station on shore. From there, the NWS compiles and publishes real-time data on their website.

What Happens When the River Stage Is High?

When the river stage at New Madrid is high, it can cause flooding in nearby areas. The NWS issues flood warnings when river stages reach certain levels, and local authorities may evacuate residents from flood-prone areas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Mississippi River stage at New Madrid is an important aspect of monitoring one of America’s most critical waterways. By tracking river stages at New Madrid, authorities can ensure that navigation on the river remains safe and that communities along its banks are protected from flooding.