The
definition of a cutoff is a new channel cut by a river across the
neck of an oxbow. Before 1929, there were about 20 natural cutoffs
that occurred on the river, shortening the river by approximately 116
miles. Over time, most of those miles were made up by new bends
further down the river. After 1929, 13 cutoffs were constructed to
aid navigation, saving 250 miles. Some miles have been reaccounted
for, but the river has been "tamed" for now. For me, the cutoff is
like a wedge, hammered into a piece of wood. In trying to keep the
wood to its original shape, string binds the wood together. As the
wedge moves further down, the pressure at the initial point of entry
breaks the bands. New string replaces the old.
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