A levee is a raised bank formed on the banks of a river, in the lower course. Due to the drop in energy caused by friction, the biggest, most coarse material will be dumped close to the river banks.

Since then, every generation of settlers to the region has attempted to control the river by building levees, or protective, raised embankments, alongside it. Prior to 1882, Mississippi Delta ...

Restraining rivers through stop banks and channels transfers and heightens flood risks downstream. Allowing them to roam free limits flooding and delivers other ecological benefits.