The USCG held a Port Coordination Team conference today.  Here is a summary of that meeting.(Note: If you have trouble opening the links, try right-clicking on the link, then choose “Open Link”)Current River Stages

• The LMR stage at BR today (1400) was at 43.57 feet, up 0.04 over the last 24 hours.  
• The LMR stage at New Orleans today (1100 Hours) was at 16.61 feet, down -0.01’ over the last 24 hours

NOAA/NWS Crest Predictions  

• The LMR at Baton Rouge is cresting now through the 30th, then begin a slow fall. 
• The LMR at New Orleans is cresting now through April 01 then will begin a slow fall.
  • NOTE:  Due to rainfall, the above crests may be extended.

USACE:

• Old River Lock is closed.  Estimated will be closed through April 1st.
• Bonne Carre Spillway is open.  Plans are to close 20 Bays today. 

• 132 Bays remain open (of the total 350).
• Flow rate is expected to be 116,000 CFS once the 20 bays are closed today. 
• Forecasts shows spillway open through early April.

• Dredge Update

• 3 Hopper Dredges working Cubit’s Gap and Head of Passes areas.
• 2 Cutterhead working SWP.
• 2 additional hopper dredges are expected to arrive in SWP this weekend.

Pilots:

• BAR –  

• Maximum Recommended Draft is 42’. (Click here)
• Seeing dredges starting to make a difference.
• Watching surveys.
• SWP High Tide Entry Window Restriction has been rescinded.
• “Pilots are bringing in everything that can go to Pilottown Anchorage or can go straight to Crescent Pilots.”

• CRPPA – 

• Maximum Recommended Draft is 42’.  (Click here)
• General Anchorage is not being used.
• 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.
• 12-Mile Anchorage Restrictions – (Click here)

• NOBRA – 
• See 16’ High Water Restrictions.  (Click here)

• Reports that not as many pilots on board vessels at berths, but still have approximately 32 pilots on vessels.

• Still experiencing problems holding vessels in anchorage.  

• Vessels are to proceed north only when time required in anchorage is strictly minimized.

• Federal Pilots –  

• Maximum recommended draft is 42’ (Click here)
• SWP High Tide Entry Window Restriction has been rescinded.

USCG:

• The LMR remains closed between MM 147 to MM 150 due to a sunken hopper barge at MM 148.5.
  • Barge has been located.  Shows 100 feet of water over the barge.  River expected to be re-opened shortly.
• MSIBs have been released regarding High Water Safety.  Additional provisions to be released.
• Other
• Salvors working sunken towboat in Baton Rouge Anchorage. (MM 225.) (Anchorage open with restrictions)
• Salvors working sunken barges (2) in Belmont Anchorage.  (Anchorage OPEN to only 1 spot.)
• Salvors suspended work on sunken towboat at MM 132.6.
• Two allision incidents occurred near MM 144 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)Sincerely,
“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