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 (1100) was at 42.67 feet, down -0.42 over the last 24 hours. 
• The LMR stage at New Orleans today (1200 Hours) was at 16.49 feet, down -0.12’ over the last 24 hours

NOAA/NWS Crest Predictions

• The LMR at Baton Rouge has crested and is slowly falling. 
• The LMR at New Orleans is cresting now through April 05 then will begin a slow fall.
  • NOTE: Due to rainfall, the above crests may be extended.

USACE:

• Old River Lock is open to navigation.
• Bonne Carre Spillway is open. 

• 135 Bays remain open (of the total 350). (No closures planned today)
• Flow rate is expected to be 114,000 CFS. Above, it’s 1.295 million CFS.
• Forecasts shows spillway open through mid – April.

• Dredge Update

• 5 Hopper Dredges working Cubit’s Gap and Head of Passes areas.
• 2 Cutterhead working SWP.
• RS WEEKS @ HOP is going to have to move down from HOP due to strong currents.

Pilots:

• BAR – No Report
• Maximum Recommended Draft is 42’. (Click here)

• CRPPA – No New Report.

• 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 – No New Report.
• See 16’ High Water Restrictions. (Click here)

• Federal Pilots – No Report.
• Maximum recommended draft is 42’ (Click here)

USCG:

• MSIBs have been released regarding High Water Safety.
• Still witnessing open doors on towing vessels.
• On April 9 the VTS will be experiencing system upgrades from 0700 to 1900. During that time watchstanders will be working on backup systems.
• 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