Old River Cutoff near Moss Bluff

“Is this thing on?” crackled a voice nearby, followed by a cough. “Ah, there we go. Greetings, everyone, and welcome to the Old River Cutoff near Moss Bluff. This unassuming spot holds a fascinating tale, a story of how human ingenuity wrestled with the mighty Mississippi. Now, the Old River Cutoff isn’t a place of grand monuments or bustling crowds. It’s a place where the real drama unfolds beneath the surface, a silent battle between the river and those who dare to control it. The Old River Control Structure, a key player in this story, is a system of floodgates designed to prevent the Mississippi from changing its course. You see, the Atchafalaya River beckons the Mississippi, offering a shorter, steeper path to the Gulf of Mexico. If the Mississippi were to fully succumb to this siren call, it would abandon its current route through Baton Rouge and New Orleans, causing devastating economic consequences. Completed in 1963 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this structure is vital for maintaining the Mississippi’s current flow. The control structure isn’t just one single entity. It’s a complex system, including the original low-sill and overbank structures, along with an auxiliary structure built after the 1973 flood. And, not to be forgotten, the Sidney A. Murray Jr. Hydroelectric Station, adding another layer of control to this watery battleground. This complex system works in concert to maintain a delicate balance, diverting just enough water into the Atchafalaya Basin to keep everyone happy. Think of it as a 70/30 split. 70% of the flow stays in the Mississippi, while 30% gets to explore the Atchafalaya. This division, established back in the structure’s early days, isn’t based on some complex scientific formula. It’s a reflection of how the river naturally flowed at that time, a compromise between nature’s desires and human needs. Now, what happens when the Mississippi gets a little feisty and starts to overflow its banks? That’s where the Morganza Floodway comes into play. Located downstream, this floodway acts like a relief valve. It’s opened in emergencies to divert excess water from the Mississippi, reducing stress on the levees and, importantly, on the Old River Control Structure itself. Standing here, by the Old River Cutoff near Moss Bluff, you’re witnessing a constant push and pull, a testament to human ingenuity and the raw power of nature. So, next time you hear about the Mississippi, remember this quiet spot and the crucial role it plays in shaping the river’s destiny.”