Submit Your Own Navigation Updates

Name: 

EMail: 

Type Your
Update Here:

Are you a current Waterway Guide subscriber? Yes No


Enter code: 

CHICAGO TO MOBILE BAY, INCLUDING CUMBERLAND AND TENNESSEE RIVERS UPDATES

02 September 2010

Upper Mississippi, mile 62.0 - 59.0, Wier construction

Continuing until further notice the ACOE and PATTON & TULLY will be constructing underwater wiers between approximate Miles 62.0 and 59.0.
The work will be conducted between the hours of 7:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. The M/V MS. JENNIE and M/V HELEN TULLY will monitor VHF-FM
Channels 13, 16 or 68. The M/V MS. JENNIE can be reached via cell phone at (901)-494-8427. The M/V HELEN TULLY can be reached at (901)-
262-9286. 

This should not impact the travel of pleasure craft but be alert for construction vessel movement. 

Illinois Waterway, mile 87.6, dredging

Continuing until approximately September 25, 2010, the Dredge BUXTON II is conducting dredge operations in the vicinity of Mile 87.6,
Beardstown/Grape Island. Work will be conducted 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. The Dredge BUXTON II will monitor VHF-FM Channels 13, 16 or
73. 

........................................................................................................................

01 September 2010

Illinois Waterway, miles 296.1 - 296.7, waterway closure update

The following is from the Federal Register.

"The Coast Guard will enforce a segment of the Safety Zone; Brandon Road Lock and Dam to Lake Michigan including Des Plaines River, Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, Chicago River, and Calumet-Saganashkee Channel on all waters of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal from Mile Marker 296.1 to Mile Marker 296.7 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on September 7, 2010 through September 11, 2010. This action is necessary to protect the waterways, waterway users, and vessels from hazards associated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' installation of parasitic structures which will help control the spread of aquatic nuisance species that might devastate the waters in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. During the enforcement period, entry into, transiting, mooring, laying-up or anchoring within the enforced area of this safety zone by any person or vessel is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector Lake Michigan, or his or her designated representative."

The Coast Guard has not issued a Notice to Mariners but I expect to see it this week. To read the entire bulletin in the Federal Register, click here.

Ted Stehle

........................................................................................................................

26 August 2010

Chain of Rocks Lock, Upper MS River mile 185.5, main chamber closure

Continuing until approximately September 5, 2010, the L/D 27 (main chamber), vicinity of Mile 185.5, will be closed for maintenance. The auxiliary 600-foot chamber will be available to pass traffic. During this closure, tows will NOT be allowed to wait on the main chamber guide walls unless directed by the lockmaster. Mariners should be alert for, and abide by, any special instructions issued by the lockmaster in conjunction with this closure.

Ed note: For pleasure craft this may mean additional delays.

........................................................................................................................

18 August 2010

Tennessee River, Chickamauga Lock, mile 471.0, open to navigation

The lock is now in operation.

The lock is closed for repairs until 6pm August 16th. There is no auxiliary lock at this location. For additional information the lock number is 423-875-6230.

........................................................................................................................

11 August 2010

Illinois Waterway, Peoria Lock, mile 157.7, maintenance closure extended

8/11/10

Due to high water conditions maintenance work has fallen behind schedule. The lock will not reopen until Saturday, October 2, 2010.


6/24/10

This closure is now in effect. WG will post any changes to the reopening schedule.

5/13/10

Commencing approximately June 1, 2010 and continuing until approximately August 29, 2010, the Peoria L/D, vicinity of Mile 157.7, will be closed for repairs. The lock will close from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. After 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m., the lock will reopen to pass traffic. During these openings, a 70-foot width restriction will be in place. Mariners will be instructed on the availability of either the land or island wall for approach purposes. During this closure, towboats operators are requested NOT to tie up on the guidewalls. Mariners may contact the Peoria L/D at (309) 699-6111, for additional information.

Ed Note: This is going to make it difficult for pleasure craft. For those downbound, there are a few anchorages below the lock, however, the first marina is Tall Timbers at mile 120.3.

........................................................................................................................

10 August 2010

Tenn-Tom locks, Heflin and Coffeeville, reopen after maintenance closures

• Both of these locks have reopened.
  
  Re-opening of the Coffeeville Lock has been delayed until August 6, 2010.
   
• The Coffeeville Lock on the lower Tombigbee, mile 116.6, is scheduled to be closed beginning at 0600 on July 9, 2010 and reopened at 1800 on August 2, 2010.
• 
  The Howell Heflin Lock on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, mile 266, is scheduled to be closed beginning at 0600 on July 12, 2010 and reopened at 1800 on July 26, 2010. The Heflin Lock will not reopen until 6pm July 28th.

 There is no auxiliary lock at either location.

........................................................................................................................

02 August 2010

Tennessee River, Watts Bar Lock, mile 529.9, maintenance closure

To those who are planning to cruise this fall up the Tennessee River to the
navigable headwaters in Knoxville, please note that Watts Bar Lock (the
next to last lock on the upper Tennessee River at mile 529.9) will be closed
beginning Oct. 12 through Nov. 2. There is no auxillary lock. You must go
through this lock to get up to our place, but you can still cruise up as far as
the Tennessee Gorge and Chattanooga. The only home football game of the
Tennessee Vol (Volunteers) Navy that will be affected is the 'Bama game on Oct.
23.

Happy cruising and we'll see you at Joe Wheeler State Park at the AGLCA
Fall Rendezvous.

Ron & Eva Stob
Raven Cove Publishing

........................................................................................................................

28 July 2010

Illinois Waterway, missing or out of place nav-aids

Several buoys have been reported missing or not properly marking the channel between approximate Miles 180.0 and 154.0.

A can buoy has been reported not properly marking the channel, partially obstructing the channel in the vicinity of Mile 159.0.

A nun buoy has been reported not properly marking the channel in the vicinity of Mile 88.9, mid-channel.

A nun buoy has been reported not properly marking the channel in the vicinity of Mile 79.7, mid-channel.

........................................................................................................................

27 July 2010

Tenn-Tom Waterway, Aliceville Lake, mile 307.0, dredging

Notice is given to mariners that Manson Construction Company's pipeline dredge "LEONARD J" and floating plant will begin working on or about July 8, 2010 on the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway at Mile 307, Aliceville Lake, just upstream of the Tom Bevill Lock and Dam. Operations are expected to continue at this location for approximately six months. The dredge and/or floating plant will be working 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, and may be reached on VHF-FM Channels 14 and 16.

........................................................................................................................

22 July 2010

Illinois Waterway, mile 147.6, dredging

7/22/10

Dredging has resumed and will continue through August 16th.

7/8/10

Dredging has stopped due to high water.

6/30/10

Continuing until July 20, 2010, the Dredge BUXTON II is conducting dredge operations in the vicinity of Mile 147.6, LDB. Work will be conducted 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. The Dredge BUXTON II will monitor VHF-FM Channels 13, 16 or 73. Mariners are urged to contact the dredge 30-minutes prior to arrival in the area and to transit the area at their slowest safe speed to minimize their wake and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made.

........................................................................................................................

15 July 2010

Cumberland River, Mile 192.0 - 190.0, river closure

On July 25, 2010, from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., the Music City Triathlon will be held between approximate Miles 192.0 and 190.0. The COTP Ohio Valley has established a Special Local Regulation for this event. This event will involve approximately 1,000 swimmers. No vessel will be allowed to transit this area during the event without the permission of the U.S. Coast Guard Patrol Commander. The Patrol Commander will monitor VHF-FM Channels 16, during this event.

........................................................................................................................

30 June 2010

Upper Mississippi River, mile 70 and 58, dike and weir construction

Continuing until further notice, weir construction and dike work is being conducted between approximate Miles 70.0 and 58.0. Work will be conducted from 7:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. The contractors floating plant will consist of the M/V MS. Jennie and the M/V HELEN TULLY and they will monitor VHF-FM Channels 13, 16 or 68 and via cellular phone at (901) 494-8427 and (901) 262-9286. Mariners are urged to transit the area at their slowest safe speed to minimize their wake after passing arrangements have been made.

........................................................................................................................

24 June 2010

Cumberland River, mile 89.0 - 88.0, missings aids to navigation

Three can buoys have been reported missing between approximate Miles 89.0 and 88.0.

Illinois Waterway, mile 147.6 LDB, dredge operation

Continuing until July 20, 2010, the Dredge BUXTON II is conducting dredge operations in the vicinity of Mile 147.6, LDB. Work will be conducted 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. The Dredge BUXTON II will monitor VHF-FM Channels 13, 16 or 73. Mariners are urged to contact the dredge 30-minutes prior to arrival in the area and to transit the area at their slowest safe speed to minimize their wake and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made.

Upper Mississippi River, Chain of Rocks Lock, mile 185.5, maintenance closure update

6/24/10

This closure has been postponed due to high water. A new closure date has not been set.


5/27/10

Commencing June 1, 2010 and continuing until June 24, 2010, the L/D 27 (auxiliary chamber), vicinity of Mile 185.5, will be closed for maintenance. The main 1,200-foot chamber will be available to pass traffic. During this closure, tows will NOT be allowed to wait on the auxiliary chamber guide walls unless directed by the lockmaster. Mariners should be alert for, and abide by, any special instructions issued by the lockmaster in conjunctionwith this closure.


Commencing June 25, 2010 and continuing until July 1, 2010, L/D 27 (main chamber), vicinity of Mile 185.5, will be closed for maintenance. The auxiliary 600-foot chamber will be available to pass traffic. A helper boat will be provided for pulling cuts. During this closure, tows will NOT be allowed to wait on the main chamber guide walls unless directed by the lockmaster. Mariners should be alert for, and abide by, any special instructions issued by the lockmaster in conjunction with this closure.

Ed Note: Pleasure craft can expect longer waiting times at the lock.

........................................................................................................................

15 June 2010

Federal Mooring Buoys On The Rivers:

It has come to the attention of Waterway Guide that boater's are using the Federal Mooring Buoys located along the river system as a tie up for the night. This is not advisable as the buoys are there for commercial use only and pleasure craft are not authorized to utilize them except in an emergency. In addition, should a commercial vessel arrive during the night while the pleasure craft is there, the pleasure craft will be required to move. Not a great thing to do in a strange place in the dark. Finally, any vessel using the mooring buoy must contact the nearest lock and advise them accordingly. 

Corps of Engineers River Charts, clarification

Those purchasing or downloading the most recent editions of the Upper and Lower Mississippi River Charts will notice that the sailing line in some instances appears to go directly over Wing Dams. This is really not the case.
The most recent editions (2001/2002) of the Mississippi Charts in addition to depicting Wing Dams also depict Bendway Weirs. These are rock sills located in the navigation channel of a bend, usually angled 20 to 30 degrees into the flow of the river, spaced some 400 to 1,400 feet apart, varying from 400 to 1,600 feet in length, and at an elevation that allows normal traffic to pass over them. Their purpose is to control the flow of water through the bend. More information may be found on the Corps of Engineers Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory web site, http://chl.erdc.usace.army.mil.

........................................................................................................................

10 June 2010

Tenn-Tom Waterway, miles 409.0-418.0, nav aids unreliable

Several buoys have been reported not properly marking the channel between approximate Miles 409.0 and 418.0. Mariners are requested to transit the area with caution.

........................................................................................................................

04 June 2010

Tennessee River, Kentucky Lock, mile 22.4, maintenance closure

Reference: Notice to Navigation Interests CELRN-OP-N 10-13, dated 9 April 2010, subject as above.

Due to the major flooding in May, the subject closure had to be postponed and rescheduled. It is now scheduled to begin 6 am on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 until 6 pm on Wednesday, June 30, 2010. The lock will closed to navigation interests during this time for critical electrical repairs.

No auxiliary lock is available at this location. Vessel operators are advised to utilize an alternate route through the Lower Cumberland River, Barkley Lock and Barkley Canal. During this closure special flow conditions will be established to provide optimal river conditions for traffic. Flows will be maintained at a range of 12,000 cfs minimum to 26,000 cfs maximum. If weather conditions dictate a change in these flows then a follow up notice will be issued. Additional information can be obtained from the Lockmaster at Kentucky Lock at 270-362-4226.

........................................................................................................................

03 June 2010

Illinois Waterway, Corps of Engineers rejects regular lock closures to stop Asian Carp

In a study released today the Corps of Engineers has rejected several proposals to close the locks on the Illinois Waterway to prevent the migration of Asian Carp into Lake Michigan. Instead, the study recommends that the current testing and subsequent treatment of the water, during which time the locks are closed for several days, continue while other options are evaluated.

The rather lengthy (hundreds of pages) reports may be found by going to http://www.asiancarp.org and opening Interim Reports 111 and 111A posted today. Or you can read a news report at http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com.

After that, have a cool drink to celebrate.

Cumberland River, possibility of floating drums and tanks

As a result of recent flooding on the Cumberland River, the potential exists for drums and tanks to be adrift between approximate Miles 223.0 and 74.0. Mariners sighting adrift drums or tanks should contact the Environmental Protection Agency at (404) 229-9495, and to exercise caution in the area.

Cumberland River, Cheatham Lock, closure update

6/3/10

The Cheatham L/D, vicinity of Mile 148.6, is returning to temporary operation after flooding of its critical equipment. At this time only commercial vessels are allowed to lock through. It is expected to be mid-June before all repairs are completed and pleasure craft will be allowed to lock through.


5/13/10

Continuing until approximately June 7, 2010, the Cheatham L/D, vicinity of Mile 148.6, will be closed for repairs after flooding of its critical equipment. After returning to operation, the L/D will be open to pass traffic during daylight hours.

........................................................................................................................

27 May 2010

Upper Mississippi River, Mel Price Lock, mile 200.5, maintenance closure

Commencing June 25, 2010 and continuing until August 7, 2010, the Melvin Price L/D (main chamber) will be closed for maintenance. All vessel traffic will be passed through the auxiliary 600-foot chamber. A helper boat will be provided to assist with cuts. During this closure, tows will NOT be allowed to wait on the auxiliary chamber guide walls unless directed by the lockmaster. Mariners should be alert for, and abide by, any special instructions issued by the lockmaster in conjunction with this closure.

Ed Note: This will slow the locking process so pleasure craft most likely will have long waiting periods.

........................................................................................................................

25 May 2010

Illinois Waterway, miles 321.5 to 326.5, Carp sampling operation complete, none found

From the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee website.

Fish Sampling Operation Complete on Little Calumet River
Safety zone rescinded; waterway reopened to commercial and recreational traffic
Chicago, IL‐ The Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC) wrapped up a successful sampling and data collection operation on the Little Calumet River in South Chicago on Tuesday.
Fisheries biologists from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and other supporting agencies collected just over 100,000 pounds of fish during the week long operation. Over 40 species of fish were collected though no Bighead or Silver Asian carps were found.
"We will now look at the entire body of evidence collected thus far, including eDNA sampling results and all of our conventional sampling with nets and electrofishing gear to see if we can draw any further conclusions about the risk of invasion and establishment of Asian carp in Lake Michigan through the Chicago Area Waterway System," said RCC co‐chair John Rogner.
"This operation could not have succeeded without the support, patience and cooperation of the waterway operators, marina owners, recreational boaters and other boating and transportation representatives that use this waterway," said Charlie Wooley, Deputy Regional Director of the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Region. "I would like to thank all of these industry members for working with us in our mission to protect the Great Lakes."

........................................................................................................................

08 May 2010

Tennessee River lock closures scheduled for 2010 - update

Fort Loudoun Lock at TN  River Mile 602.3

Due to weather delays the reopening date has been pushed out to 0600 May 13th.

The lock is schedule for closure to navigation traffic from 6 am on April 20, 2010 through 6 pm on May 11, 2010. There is no auxiliary lock available.

Chickamauga Lock at TN River Mile 471.0

The lock is scheduled for closure to navigation traffic from 6 am on July 20, 2010 through 6 pm on August 16, 2010. There is no auxiliary lock available.

Watts Bar Lock at TN River Mile 529.9

The lock is scheduled for closure to navigation traffic from 6 am on October 12, 2010 through 6 pm November 2, 2010. There is no auxiliary lock available.

........................................................................................................................

26 March 2010

Illinois Waterway, mile 258.5, dredging

Continuing until approximately August 1, 2010, the M/V LaSALLE is conducting dredge operations/strike removal in the vicinity of Mile 258.5, RDB, Grist Island. Work will be conducted from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., 5 or 6-days a week. Removed material will be transported to Dresden Island, vicinity of Mile 270.5, RDB. During this period, the M/V LaSalle may be called to other areas for brief periods. The M/V LaSALLE will monitor VHFFM Channels 13, 16 or 82, for passing instructions. The M/V LaSALLE requests 30-minutes advance notice of passage. Mariners are urged to transit the area at their slowest safe speed to minimize their wake.

Cumberland River, proposal to discontinue nav aids above Nashville

The Coast Guard is proposing to remove all nav aids above the Coles Ferry Access at mile 243.0

COMMENTS TO BE RECEIVED BY May 5, 2010
Cumberland River
The U.S. Coast Guard is proposing the following changes to navigation on the Cumberland River:
Discontinue Seven Sisters Daybeacon (LLNR-3270), Mile 372.0, LDB.
Discontinue Turkey Creek Island Lower Daybeacon (LLNR-3275), Mile 370.7, RDB.
Discontinue Long Hollow Lower Daybeacon (LLNR-3280), Mile 369.4, RDB.
Discontinue Brimstone Island Lower Daybeacon (LLNR-3285), Mile 368.2, RDB.
Discontinue Scantlin Island Upper Daybeacon (LLNR-3290), Mile 366.6, LDB.
Discontinue Scantlin Island Lower Daybeacon (LLNR-3295), Mile 365.5, LDB.
Discontinue Simpson Island Daybeacon (LLNR-3310), Mile 354.6, RDB.
Discontinue Cane Island Daybeacon (LLNR-3315), Mile 353.9, RDB.
Discontinue Bullard Creek Daybeacon (LLNR-3325), Mile 347.0, LDB.
Discontinue Richmond Daybeacon (LLNR-3330), Mile 345.7, RDB.
Discontinue Fort Blount Ferry Daybeacon (LLNR-3335), Mile 340.5, LDB.
Discontinue Dripping Rock Daybeacon (LLNR-3340), Mile 337.1, RDB.
Discontinue Dripping Rock Hollow Daybeacon (LLNR-3345), Mile 336.1, RDB.
Discontinue Upper Hollow Island Daybeacon (LLNR-3350), Mile 334.9, RDB.
Discontinue Phillips Branch Daybeacon (LLNR-3355), Mile 334.4, RDB.
Discontinue Niagara Island Daybeacon (LLNR-3360), Mile 331.2, LDB.
Discontinue Bush Hollow Daybeacon (LLNR-3365), Mile 329.5, LDB.
Discontinue McDonald Hollow Daybeacon (LLNR-3370), Mile 329.2, LDB.
Discontinue Dry Fork Daybeacon (LLNR-3375), Mile 327.9, RDB.
Discontinue Russel Hollow Daybeacon (LLNR-3380), Mile 322.7, RDB.
Discontinue McClurde Bend Upper Daybeacon (LLNR-3385), Mile 321.2, LDB.
Discontinue McClure Bend Lower Daybeacon (LLNR-3390), Mile 319.3, LDB.
Discontinue McClure Daybeacon (LLNR-3395), Mile 318.2, RDB.
Discontinue Lock No. 8 Daybeacon (LLNR-3400), Mile 317.5, LDB.
Discontinue West Point Daybeacon (LLNR-3410), Mile 316.2, RDB.
Discontinue Horseshoe bend lower Daybeacon (LLNR-3415), Mile 314.2, RDB.
Discontinue Simpson Landing Daybeacon (LLNR-3425), Mile 312.0, LDB.
Discontinue Farley Daybeacon (LLNR-3430), Mile 310.6, LDB.
Discontinue Caney Fork River Daybeacon (LLNR-3435), Mile 309.2, LDB.
Discontinue Carters Island Daybeacon (LLNR-3465), Mile 305.3, RDB.
Discontinue Taylers Branch Daybeacon (LLNR-3470), Mile 302.4, RDB.
Discontinue Lovells Island Daybeacon (LLNR-3475), Mile 298.1, LDB.
Discontinue Puryear Bend Daybeacon (LLNR-3485), Mile 274.3, LDB
Discontinue Second Creek Upper Daybeacon (LLNR-3490), Mile 270.3, RDB.
Discontinue Second Creek Daybeacon (LLNR-3495), Mile 269.8, RDB.
Discontinue Old Lock No. 5 Daybeacon (LLNR-3500), Mile 265.7, RDB.
Discontinue Cedar Creek Daybeacon (LLNR-3505), Mile 263.8, RDB.
Discontinue Armstrong Island Daybeacon (LLNR-3515), Mile 260.9, RDB.
Discontinue Seven Mile Bluff Daybeacon (LLNR-3520), Mile 259.0, RDB.
Discontinue Spring Creek Daybeacon (LLNR-3525), Mile 255.6, LDB.
Discontinue Wilson County Daybeacon (LLNR-3530), Mile 253.8, RDB.
Discontinue Barton Creek Daybeacon (LLNR-3535), Mile 252.0, LDB.
Discontinue Cunningham Island Daybeacon (LLNR-3540), Mile 250.3, RDB.
Discontinue Cairo Daybeacon (LLNR-3565), Mile 247.7, RDB.
Discontinue Steam Plant Daybeacon (LLNR-3575), Mile 243.8, LDB.

Comments and recommendations should be submitted to:

Commander (dpw)
Eighth Coast Guard District
Attn: Federal Projects
500 Poydras Street, Room 1230
New Orleans, LA 70130-3310
Or by e-mail: d8localnoticefeedback@uscg.mil
All comments or recommendations should include the following information:
a. Quantity, type, capacity, and value of vessels involved and the extent to which vessels transit the area seasonally, by day, and by night.
b. If known, the type of navigational devices (e.g. compass, radio direction finder, radar, Loran, search lights, etc.) with which each vessel
is equipped.
c. The number of vessel passengers and/or type, quantity, and value of cargo involved.
d. Chart section or graphic, as necessary to illustrate the comment or recommendation.

........................................................................................................................

04 March 2010

AL: Mobile River, mile 13.3, bridge construction

Continuing until approximately 2012, bridge construction has begun on the existing CSX Railroad Swing Span Bridge, also known as the 14-Mile Bridge, across the Mobile River at Mile 13.3. Currently, test piles are being driven between the navigation channel and the river banks. Mariners should be alert for tugs, barges and pile driving equipment working within the river near the bridge and are urged to exercise caution when transiting the area. Updates, regarding potential waterway restrictions or blockages, will be published as information becomes available.

........................................................................................................................

20 February 2010

Tennessee River, Pickwick Lock, mile 207.0, mooring cell construction

The work described below will be ongoing all summer. Vessels exiting the Pickwick Lock should use caution as waiting tows will not be able to use the mooring cells.

Southern Marine Construction Company will begin replacing the two mooring cells at the subject location on 01 March 2010. Work will be conducted during daylight hours, Monday through Friday, until its scheduled completion in mid-September 2010. During this period, all vessels will be prohibited from mooring or landing on these structures. Vessels operators should exercise extreme care when entering and leaving the lock to avoid the work area and pass a safe distance off the cells

Equipment on-site will include the M/V J. E. POTTER, a crane barge and several supporting barges. During most of the work period, equipment will be positioned outside the approach channel of the lock. During non-working hours, the equipment will be located on-site but outside the approach channel to the lock.

Vessel operators are encouraged to contact the M/V J.E. POTTER on Marine Channel 13 or the Lockmaster prior to arrival at the lock to determine status of the lock's upper approach. Additional information can be obtained from the Lockmaster at Pickwick Lock at 731-925-2334

........................................................................................................................

25 November 2009

Illinois Waterway, Mile 300.6, Burlington Northern Santa Fe RR Bridge Clearance

At 0600 November 25, 2009 the Lockport Pool was 577.19 feet NGVD providing a projected clearance of 20.00 feet.

Note: This calculation was made using the Lockport Pool as reported on line and the charted elevation for the bridge as shown on the Corps of Engineers charts. All vessels should exercise caution and do their own calculations. Waterway Guide assumes no responsibility for errors.

Tenn-Tom Waterway, Mile 269.9, Sumpter Recreation Area

Heflin Lock made a radio announcement this afternoon (Nov 15, 2009) that the entrance to the anchorage at Sumpter Recreation Area has been dredged.

David Magill
M/V Illusions

Note from Ed: Several vessels had reported shoaling to depths of less than 4 feet at the entrance at normal pool.

........................................................................................................................

22 October 2009

Illinois Waterway, mile 88.4, Beardstown free dock

The Beardstown free dock has been moved south below the Beardstown Highway Fixed Bridge (mile 87.9) and is not in use. Logsdon Tug Service barge is still in use; contact them at 217-323-1290. 15 amp power sometimes is available (if not otherwise in use on barge.) 18 feet of water alongside at pool plus 2/10ths.

All the best,
Tom & Lynn
s/v Por Fin
Vagabond 39 (draft 5'10")

........................................................................................................................

10 September 2009

Beardstown Dock, Illinois Waterway Mile 88.5

This is for anyone planning to tie up to the BEARDSTOWN, IL town dock
at mile 88.5. Due to extremely low water, the town dock IS NOT
THERE!!! The only choice is to ask permission to tie up to one of
Logsdon Tug Service's tow boats, or perhaps to a barge at their
location if there is one that will be staying overnight. Try calling
Logsdon at 217-323-1290. As expected, there are no facilities, and
Logsdon will charge $1 per foot. As the only pleasure craft here and
being small, we were able to pull around on the landward side of the
Tugboat Clyde so we are protected from the river traffic. Bill, in
the Logsdon office, says you can raft up if you wish, but you are
already out toward the channel. There appears to be room for 2-3
boats on the barge, one on the river side of the tow, and one small
one on the landside of the tow.

Too bad, because I love Beardstown! It is truly an old river town
with no touristy frills. Wonderful architecture both in its buildings
and old homes. There is a charming "town square" complete with
bandstand, a river walk where the towndock should be, and another
small park with "Mile 88" spelled out in pruned shrubs. There is a
small museum but it was already closed by the time we walked into town
and doesn't open until 10AM (open 10-4). There are several of the
"Looking for Lincoln" plaques explaining his time here as a lawyer and
the famous Almanac Trial that took place here. We had a wonderful
dinner at the "Cafe from Yesterday"...which was sort of like an old
saloon complete with honky tonk player piano music in the
background...directions: Go over the levee wall at Logsdon, head
north on Main Street to State Street, then go right to 2nd street.
Across 2nd street and just slightly north is the cafe.

So if you can make this stop and want to see a "real" town, do it!
Rick and I are loving it being here with the working guys on the tug.
This is one of those true Western Rivers experiences that we live
for! Since I'm not going to lug Beamer up the very steep steps over
the wall, she'll have to "go on the tow" that we cross over to get to
the steps!

Cheers to all, and see you on the river...
.Betsy on Rick 'n Roll II
Sitting Beardstown tied to a tow.....

........................................................................................................................

11 July 2009

Mobile Bay, Hazard to Navigation

Life's2Short just crossed Mobile Bay and is headed north on the Tenn-Tom.
Yesterday as we were headed across the bay at low tide we saw what
appeared to be a large barnacle encrusted stump or pole or iron post. We were in
11' of water and this baby was not moving and was 30+ inches in
circumference, it was definitely attached to the bottom. We did contact the Coast
Guard and reported it's position but I also wanted to let the list know of
it's coordinates; 30.22.161 N 87.54.686 W When Life's2Short cross's Mobile
Bay, headed west, we always leave the GIWW shortly after entering Mobile
Bay and head N.W. on a direct line to Dog River. The obstruction is on that
line about an hour north of the GIWW. The scary part was that we were
following our old track on the Cap'n software and we came within 10 yards of
it before we saw it sticking out about 6" above the water!!

Todd & Brenda Lanning
Life's2Short

........................................................................................................................

22 November 2007

Black Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway-Mile 63.9, Three Rivers Lake

Waterway Guide has received a report that the island that marks the entrance to this anchorage on the Corps of Engineers Charts no longer exists. The anchorage, however, is still usable. Proceed up the channel 150 to 200 yards. Keep in mind that this area is tidal so allow for swing or set two anchors.