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 (1300) was at 43.99 feet, no change over the last 24 hours. 
• The LMR stage at New Orleans today (1100 Hours) was at 16.67 feet, down -0.07’ over the last 24 hours

NOAA/NWS Crest Predictions

• The LMR at Baton Rouge is cresting now through the 24th, then begin a slow fall. 
• The LMR at New Orleans is cresting now through early April then will begin a slow fall.
  • 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.
• ——————-The following still holds true:“Since we have falls on the Lower Ohio and significant reductions at Barkley and Kentucky Dams,   the upstream flooding on the Missouri and Upper Mississippi Rivers will keep (LMR) levels elevated   but not cause significant rises without additional rainfall.” ——————

USACE:

• Old River Lock is closed. Estimated will be closed through 8 April.
• Bonne Carre Spillway is open. 
  • 196 Bays remain open (of the total 350).
  • Flow rate remains steady.
  • Forecasts shows spillway open through mid-April.

• Dredge Update
  • 4 Hopper Dredges working Cubit’s Gap and Head of Passes areas.
  • 1 Cutterhead working SWP.
  • One dredge down for repairs. RS WEEKS expected to return to work 25 March.

Pilots:

• BAR – 
  • Maximum Recommended Draft is 42’. (Click here)
  • Watching surveys.
  • SWP High Tide Entry Window Restrictionhas been rescinded.
  • “Pilots are bringing in everything that can go to Pilottown Anchorage or can go straightto 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.
• 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 Restrictionhas been rescinded.

USCG:

• Increased USCG presence on the waterways.
• Salvors working sunken towboat in Baton Rouge Anchorage. (MM 225.) (Anchorage closed)
• Salvors working sunken barges (2) in Belmont Anchorage.(Anchorage OPEN to only 1 spot.)
• Salvors suspended work on sunken towboat at MM 132.6 due to high water.
• 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)

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 Branch