This is to advise mariners transiting the White River Entrance Channel (WREC) of increased head differentials between Norrell Lock and Dam and Montgomery Point Lock and Dam. Heavy rainfall on the Lower White River caused the differential to rise to 3.0 feet on Saturday, June 12th, 2021. At 10:00 AM today, the tailwater elevation at Norrell Lock and Dam was 138.93 ft-msl and the headwater elevation at Montgomery Point Lock and Dam was 135.39 ft-msl with a differential of 3.54 feet. The WREC differential is forecasted to crest around 3.8 feet on or around Wednesday, June 16th, 2021. The differentials are expected to remain above 3 feet for approximately 2 to 3 weeks as Mississippi River levels fall out. Mariners are reminded of advised tow restrictions during increased differentials:
WREC Differential # Barges
2.9 feet or less No restriction
3.0 to 4.4 feet 12 barge down bound restriction; No restriction up bound
4.5 to 5.0 feet 9 barge down bound restriction; No up bound restriction
5.1 to 5.9 feet 4 barge down bound restriction during daylight; 2 barge down bound restriction
during night; No up bound restriction
Mariners transiting the WREC should use extreme caution in this area, especially when passing
Montgomery Point Lock and Dam. Contact Montgomery Point Lock and Dam or Norrell Lock and Dam
for current differential and elevations or visit our website at https://www.swl-wc.usace.army.mil/pages/arkansas_river_projects.htm
Questions or requests for additional information concerning this notice should be directed to the Little Rock District Office, at (501) 324-5096 or you may email CESWL-OP-OM@usace.army.mil.
//signed//
Christopher B. Roark
Chief, Operations Division
Release no. 21-055