Navigation Conditions and Flood Conveyance at Locks and Dam No. 2, Mississippi River, Before and After Construction of a Proposed Hydropower Plant: Hydraulic Model Investigations

A 1:72 scale model of a 2 mile reach of the Mississippi River in the vicinity of Locks and Dam No. 2 was built and operated to determine if a proposed hydropower facility would have an impact on river navigation. The data consist primarily of drift body pathlines and velocities, spot current velocities, surge tests, and water surface profiles. Riverflows of 2700 cfs, 5400 cfs, 11,000 cfs, 22,000 cfs, 38,000 cfs, 61,000 cfs, 83,000 cfs, 93,000 cfs, 138,000 cfs, 166,000 cfs and 171,000 cfs were simulated in the model. Flow conditions before and after installation of the projected power generating facility were investigated. It is concluded that the power generating facility will have no significant effect on flow paths, velocities and water surface stages in the navigation channel. The only point of some concern was a potential scouring of a shoal immediately downstream from the locks by velocities attributable to the powerhouse.