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 (1300) was at 43.33 feet, up 0.49’ over the last 24 hours. 
• The LMR stage at New Orleans today (1200 Hours) was at 16.70 feet, up 0.07’ over the last 24 hours

NOAA/NWS Crest Predictions

• The LMR at Baton Rouge is predicted to crest at 44.0’on March 13 thru March 17. 
• The LMR at New Orleans is predicted to crest at 17.0’ on March 13 thru March 15.
  • 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: An ‘experimental’forecast is showing another river rise towards the end of March/Beginning of April with the potential of greater crests than currently be experienced.

USACE:

• Bonne Carre Spillway is open. 
  • 148 Bays are open.
  • 20 more bays are planned to be opened today.
  • Plans are for 200 bays to be opened.

Pilots:

• BAR – 
  • Maximum Recommended Draft is 41’. (Click here)
  • Hopper dredges are working the area.
  • SWP High Tide Entry Window Restriction. (Click here)

• CRPPA – 
  • Maximum Recommended Draft is 45’. (Click here)
  • Anchorages are about 75% full. Ships experiencing problems holding position in anchorages.
  • 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)
  • Experiencing problems holding vessels in anchorage.
  • 
    
• Federal Pilots – 
  • All operating conditions remain same. (Click here)
  • SWP High Tide Entry Window Restriction. (Click here)

USCG:

• See current MSIB’s below in High River Restrictions.
• Four Port Assessment Teams are out making inspections.
• Bonne Carre Anchorage is closed.
• Overflights are being conducted.

Current USCG High River Restrictions (See here—> Link)