LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- NAVIGATION NOTICE Number SWL 23-63
McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System
CHANNEL RESTRICTION AND DELAYS
MONTGOMERY POINT L&D (NM 0.5) TO MISSISSIPPI RIVER
MCCLELLAN-KERR ARKANSAS RIVER NAVIGATION SYSTEM
Mariners are advised that extremely low Mississippi River levels have caused depth issues to exist between Montgomery Point Lock and Dam (NM 0.5) and the Mississippi River. A hydrographic survey conducted on October 13, 2023, revealed areas of less than 9-ft in depth on both sides of the channel when the tailwater elevation is equal to or less than 106.5 ft-msl. The current navigation channel that provides a 9-ft depth is less than 100-ft wide and is not in a straight line. As a result, mariners with vessels and/or tows drafting greater than 7-ft are advised to await guidance from Montgomery Point Lock and Dam Operators before attempting to transit the area and to expect significant delays.
Also, mariners with over 7-ft draft should plan to limit tows to 1-barge wide and no longer than 3-barges long OR no greater than 70-ft in width and 1-barge long as they transit the area. Beginning at approximately 8:00 a.m. on October 14, 2023, USACE will have a survey boat on site to set temporary buoys and guide vessels drafting over 7-ft through the area. Mariners can reach this vessel by VHF-FM marine radio on channel 13 or 16. This survey vessel will be on site until approximately 4:30 p.m. on October 14, 2023, to assist in transiting the area, and if needed, will be available on October 15, 2023, from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Mariners are advised to expect these conditions to continue until the Mississippi River levels rise – or until the Contract Dredge Sandpiper, which is expected to arrive on approximately October 21, 2023, completes dredging the area – at which time all restrictions will be lifted.
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// (for)
Christopher B. Roark
Chief, Operations Division
Release no. 23-123