Sedimentation and Navigation Study of the Lower Mississippi River at the White River Confluence, Miles 603 to 596. Hydraulic Micro Model Investigation. Volume 1

A sedimentation and navigation study of the lower Mississippi River, between River Miles 603 and 596 was conducted to study and solve the navigation problems associated with the Mississippi River at White River Confluence. Problems exist when tows navigate in and out of the White River near River mile 599. The outside of Subgrass Bend creates a deep channel with high velocities at the confluence. Several catastrophic events including collisions and sinkings have nearly occurred as a result of the problems indicated in the report. A new lock and dam is currently being constructed on the White River just upstream of the Mississippi River. A physical hydraulic micro model was used to assess 10 structural design alternatives to alleviate or eliminate the navigation problems. The study recommended constructing 7 bendway weirs near the confluence. Flow visualization showed that bendway weirs would redistribute the velocities across the channel. A longitudinal dike and minor realignment of the confluence were also recommended.
Prepared in collaboration with the Arkansas Waterways Commission.