NATCHEZ — The Mississippi River sits just .35 feet from its predicted crest, and area officials have not encountered any unexpected problems.

National Weather Service forecasters have said the river will reach its crest Saturday at 62.1 feet on the Natchez gauge. It will remain at that level throughout the weekend and begin a slow creep downward next week.

U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Robert Papp toured parts of the flooded river at Natchez this morning. Officials said they plan to eventually spend at least a week re-marking the river so cargo ships and barges can safely navigate the waterway.