The highest flood level ever recorded on the Mississippi River at St. Louis reached an unprecedented 49.58 feet on August 1st, 1993. This historic crest occurred during the catastrophic event known as the Great Flood of 1993.
The Great Flood of 1993: A Record-Breaking Event
The Great Flood of 1993 was one of the most significant natural disasters in U.S. history, primarily affecting the Upper Mississippi River Basin and its tributaries. The record-breaking crest in St. Louis was a critical point during this devastating flood.
Key Details of the Record Flood
This table summarizes the core information regarding the highest flood level at St. Louis:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Mississippi River at St. Louis, Missouri |
| Date of Crest | August 1st, 1993 |
| Flood Level | 49.58 feet |
| Event | The Great Flood of 1993 |
| Significance | Highest stage ever recorded at this location, most costly and devastating flood to ravage the U.S. in modern history. |
Understanding Flood Stages
A "flood level" or "stage" refers to the height of the water above a specific reference point, often referred to as "gauge zero" or "datum." For the Mississippi River at St. Louis, the 49.58-foot crest indicates how far the water rose above its normal low-water mark, significantly surpassing the established flood stage. Understanding these levels is crucial for:
- Emergency Preparedness: Communities and emergency services rely on these figures to initiate evacuations and deploy resources.
- Infrastructure Protection: Knowing anticipated flood levels helps in designing and protecting bridges, levees, and other critical infrastructure.
- Historical Data: Records like the 1993 crest provide vital information for future flood risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
The Unprecedented Impact of the Great Flood of 1993
The Great Flood of 1993 was characterized by its immense scale and prolonged duration, leading to widespread destruction across nine Midwestern states. It is widely considered the most costly and devastating flood to impact the U.S. in modern history. The factors contributing to its severity included:
- Persistent Rainfall: Exceptionally heavy and continuous rainfall across the upper Midwest for several months saturated the ground and swelled rivers.
- Extensive River Systems: The confluence of major rivers like the Missouri and Illinois with the Mississippi exacerbated the problem, channeling vast amounts of water into the main stem.
- Levee Breaches: Numerous agricultural levees failed, allowing floodwaters to inundate millions of acres of farmland and communities.
The lasting impact of this flood led to significant advancements in flood prediction, warning systems, and long-term flood management strategies across the nation. More detailed information about this historic event can be found via the National Weather Service.
