MKARNS Nav Notice No. SWL 24-91 WREC Differentials

PUBLIC WEBSITE:  Notices to Navigational Interests (NTNI)  https://ndc.ops.usace.army.mil/ords/f?p=107:1

NAVIGATION NOTICE       Number SWL 24-91
McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System

November 25, 2024

In Reply Refer to:  CESWL-OP

P. O. Box 867
Little Rock, AR 72203-0867
PH. 501-324-5096

MCCLELLAN-KERR ARKANSAS RIVER NAVIGATION SYSTEM
INCREASED DIFFERENTIALS ON
THE WHITE RIVER ENTRANCE CHANNEL

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.  At 11:00 a.m. today, the tailwater elevation at Norrell Lock and Dam was 124.23 ft-msl and the headwater elevation at Montgomery Point Lock and Dam was 119.77 ft-msl with a differential of 4.46 feet.  The WREC differential is forecasted to top out near 4.5 feet over the next 24 hours and then begin to slowly decrease. The differential is forecasted to decrease below 4.0 feet around December 2^nd, and below 3.0 feet around December 13^th, 2024. 

Mariners are reminded of advised tow restrictions during increased differentials shown below:

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@us.army.mil.                 

//signed// (for)
Chief, Operations Division