The USCG held a Port Coordination Team conference today. Here is a summary of that meeting.Current River Stages

• The LMR stage at BR today (0800) was at 43.85 feet, up 0.04’ over the last 24 hours. 
• The LMR stage at New Orleans today (1100 Hours) was at 16.69 feet, up 0.06’ over the last 24 hours

NOAA/NWS Crest Predictions

• The LMR at Baton Rouge is cresting now through March 19. 
• The LMR at New Orleans is cresting now through April 5.
  • The operation of the Bonnet Carré Spillway will artificially control the crest at 17 feet (approximately) and maintain the maximum flow at New Orleans at or below 1.25 million cfs.
• Note: Forecast shows that snow melt and rainfall in the north is expected to prolong the high water but not result in higher levels than recently experienced.

USACE:

• Bonne Carre Spillway is open. 
  • 206 Bays are open.
  • 10 bays are planned to beclosedtoday.

• Dredge Update
  • 3 Hopper Dredges working Cubit’s Gap and Head of Passes areas.
  • 1 Cutterhead working at MM 15.0 BHOP
  • Two dredges down for repairs. One expected to return to work this Sunday; the other later next week.

Pilots:

• BAR – 
  • Maximum Recommended Draft is 41’. (Click here)
  • Watching surveys.
  • SWP High Tide Entry Window Restriction. (Click here)

• CRPPA – 
  • Maximum Recommended Draft is 41′. (Click here)
  • Will stop using General Anchorage immediately. Those there will stay until they leave. But no more will go in.
    • Until the river drops below 15’. 
  • High Water Operating Restrictions Are in Effective (Click here)
    • Reminder – At a 16’ Carrollton Gauge,and
      • Downbound vessels with a draft of 30’ or greater,and
        • A pilot is ordered after 1600 Hours,and
        • Fog is predicted;then
          • Minimum One Assist Tug is Required.

• NOBRA – 
  • See 16’ High Water Restrictions. (Click here)
  • Still experiencing problems holding vessels in anchorage. 
    • Request vessels proceed north when any time required in anchorage is minimized.
• Federal Pilots – 
  • Maximum recommended draft is 41’ (Click here)
  • SWP High Tide Entry Window Restriction. (Click here)

USCG:

• Salvors working sunken towboat in Baton Rouge Anchorage.(Anchorage closed)
• Salvors working sunken barges (2) in Belmont Anchorage.(Anchorage closed)
• Salvors working sunken towboat at MM 132.6.
• Two allision incidents occurred near MM 144 this week are being investigated.
• See current MSIB’s below in High River Restrictions.
• Port Assessment Teams are out making inspections.
• Bonne Carre Anchorage is closed.
• Overflights are being conducted.

Current USCG High River Restrictions (See here—> Link)RWBSincerely,
“Capt Ron”
Ronald W. Branch, CAPT. USCG (Ret.) 
President
Louisiana Maritime Association (LAMA) 
Ron.branch@louisianamaritime.org
Desk: (504) 899-5535
Cell: (330) 760-0786 Branch