AdvertisementDrought Causes Ripple Effect Along Mighty Mississippi RiverJanuary 29, 2013Debbie ElliottfacebookEmailThe Mississippi River is flowing at near normal levels again in New Orleans, as measured by this old-fashioned staff gauge behind the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans District office. The Corps has been fighting saltwater encroaching up the mouth of the Mississippi because of the persistent drought. (NPR)