Why did they camp on the East side of the Mississippi ?

The expedition’s winter camp was established on the East side of the Mississippi River,directly across from the confluence with the Missouri. Why didn’t they make their camp at the confluence or at least on the West side of the Mississippi?
 
I will give you a few days to ponder this question, send me a comment with your answer, and then we will reveal the reason. Good luck with your research.
 
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