CHANGES IN CHANNEL CHARACTERISTICS, 1938-74, OF THE HOMOCHITTO RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES, MISSISSIPPI by K.V. Wilson Prepared in cooperation with the Mississippi State Highway Department Jackson Mississippi 1979 Open-File Report 79-554 TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract Introduction Homochitto River Channelization of the river Changes in channel characteristics in response to cutoffs     Channel changes in Homochitto River at Doloroso     Channel changes in Second Creek     Channel changes in Homochitto River at Kingston     Channel changes in Crooked Creek     Channel changes in Homochitto River at Rosetta     Channel changes in Middle Fork Homochitto River     Channel changes in Homochitto River at Bude Summary Reference ILLUSTRATIONS 1. Location map, Homochitto River, MS 2. Graph of minimum stages as indicators of change in bed elevation, Homochitto River at State Highway 33, Rosetta, MS 3. Map showing channel changes in Homochitto River at State Highway 33, Rosetta, Mississippi 4. Cross sections, Homochitto River at State Highway 33, Rosetta, MS ABSTRACT Channel characteristics in the lower reaches of the Homochitto River in southwest Mississippi and some of its tributaries changed following the completion of cutoffs and channelization projects between 1938 and 1940. Channel degradation and accelerated bank sloughing began during the early 1940's in the vicinity of Doloroso, a short distance upstream from the Abernathy Channel, am 9-mile cutoff emptying into the Mississippi River. By the late 1940's, channel degradation was apparent at Rosetta, 24 miles upstream. By 1974, channel degradation totaled 19 feet at Doloroso, 18.5 feet at Kingston, and 15 feet at Rosetta. Substantial channel degradation had also occured in Second Creek, Crooked Creek, and Middle Fork Homochitto River. Little or no channel degradation had occurred at Bude by 1974. Channel degradation and lateral movement of the channel have resulted in the collapse of several bridges during floods. Bridges washed out as a result of channel instability include the U.S. Highway 61 bridge at Doloroso (1955), the county highway bridge near Kingston (1955), the Illinois Central Railroad bridge at Rosetta (1955 and again in 1974), and the State Highway 33 bridge at Rosetta (1971 and again in 1974). Channel degradation also resulted in the collapse of a county road bridge on Second Creek in 1955 and one on Crooked Creek in 1969. Additional damage to bridges at Rosetta may be expected unless the stream bank is protected from further erosion. If erosion of the stream bank continues, the channel may move 1,000 feet north to the vicinity of a relief bridge. LizardTech's Djvu plug-in is needed to view these reports. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE ENTIRE REPORT For questions or comments, contact K. Van Wilson.