Mississippi River Water Levels Remain at Near-record Low

The Natural Resources Conservation Service produces this weekly report using data and products from the National Water and Climate Center and other agencies. The report focuses on seasonal snowpack, precipitation, temperature, and drought conditions in the U.S.

The Mississippi River has 27 U.S. Geological Survey streamflow gages reporting levels below the low water threshold category as of October 27, pictured in the graphic above. A new record-low level was reported in Memphis, Tennessee, where the Mississippi River reached -10.81 feet, beating the previous record of -10.70 feet set in 1988. The low water levels are a result of drought in the Mississippi River basin and come at a critical time for the shipping of crop harvests. The river serves as a major shipping route for most of the nation’s soybean and corn, as well as other grains grown in the central U.S.  While some barges are stranded, others are moving cargo at reduced capacity to allow for travel through the river’s low water levels.  Open report>>