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)