Snowmelt, Rain Wreak Havoc on US River Systems
By Mary Kennedy, DTN
While the Upper Mississippi River (UMR) remains in winter hibernation, the rest of the river system is overflowing with excess water from snowmelt and recent rains. The flooding is preventing barges from moving grain and fertilizer for spring planting. The Mississippi River at Baton Rouge has been above flood stage for weeks. On Sunday, March 17, the river level at Baton Rouge was at 44.13 feet (flood stage is 35 feet) and is expected to remain above flood stage through March.