If the Mississippi was dredged deeper would it help?

Question

If the Mississippi was dredged deeper surely that would ease floods, (before the flood come of course)

What is dredged could build levies

Answer 1

good idea, in theory, but maybe not so in practicality. As someone said, letting the river overflow will ease downstream flooding, but yes, overflowing will cause damage to the flooded area. I think "man" trying to control nature is a losing effort. Anyone living in a flood zone needs to be prepared for such an event--being unprepared is the biggest mistake we make regarding this subject.

Answer 2

In theory, it sounds like a good idea.

Answer 3

It could but it would also add tho the hydraulic pressure would greatly increase. What would really help is to finish what G.W.Bush started and make the balance of the trouble areas natural wetlands and open them up to the public to enjoy

Answer 4

They dredge it constantly to keep the "channel" open for shipping

Answer 5

It would tend to transfer the flooding downstream, yes.  Not sure that would be helpful.  It would also change the characteristics of the riverine system, the banks and bends and islets and peripheral wetlands that exist in the absence of flood conditions.

It is my opinion that the flood severity is exacerbated (worsened) by the levee system-there is inadequate flow buffering capacity.  

What is needed is floodable peripheral areas that can accomodate the excess volume during peak periods, areas that are not inhabited.  You may have noted that a break in the levee allows water to flood the surrounding lands, easing flood conditions downstream.  Acts just like a capacitor in an electric circuit.  

Unfortunately, those areas where the floods occur are not controlled and often inhabited.  Need to plan ahead to allow the river to spread out.  Dredging and confining is counterproductive, makes the floods that eventually do happen a lot worse than they otherwise would be.