The lower Mississippi river is currently at high water levels
Situation
The Lower Mississippi River is currently at high water river levels in New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas and is predicted to continue rising. Beginning 9 May 2011, the USCG placed restrictions on vessel traffic entering or exiting the Lower Mississippi River.
Information Currently Available
Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIBs)providing safety and operational advice for mariners and facilities in the area are being issued by the Coast Guard on a continuous basis and can be found via their website:http://homeport.uscg.mil.( > Port Directory (= New Orleans) > Waterways Management> Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIB))
As at 12 May 2011, reference is in particular made to the following MSIBs:
- Issue 43: High water safety advisory; Safety zone at LMR MM225 to MM 240 (9 May 2011)
- Issue 47: Waterway high water safety advisory; Damage to Levees and Revetments (11 May 2011)
The Coast Guard has begun circulating an MSIB (Issue 44 dated 10 May 2011) to all facilities along the river, its purpose being to gather information on whether or not the facility plans to cease operations. An updated compiled list can be achieved from the Coast Guard and also via their website: http://homeport.uscg.mil ( > Port Directory (= New Orleans) > Waterways Management >Marine High Water Facility Assessment Reporting).
The New Orleans Board of Trade (NOBT) reports to its members on 12 May 2011 that: “the Coast Guard advised that they are considering closing the river to deep draft navigation from Baton Rouge down to the Boothville Anchorage due to the additional high water that is currently being forecasted.The purpose of the closure would be to protect the levee system that protects the City of New Orleans and the surrounding areas. At this time, no firm decision regarding the closure has been finalized.”
The NOAA National Weather Service website publishes updated forecasts concerning river flooding (http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lix/).
Recommendations
The Coast Guard is closely watching the wakes of all vessels and vessels should proceed at the slowest safe speed to minimise wake damage to the levees.The situation and status of the Mississippi River and its facilities is under constant change and members are encouraged to take precautions and frequently check weather forecasts as well as consult local agents, local marine safety information bulletins and other local notices to mariners well
ahead of reaching the Mississippi River in order to plan their voyage and to avoid, if possible, nuisance and delays.
Members should also bear in mind that although the water level in the river is considered high,loading vessels more deeply due to an assumed higher under-keel may make the vessel unmanageable under these extraordinary circumstances.Strong river currents may also scour away the dredged navigation channel and thus there can be less river depth available than normal, and the river may deposit tremendous amounts of sand and mud in unexpected areas.
Source: Gard P&I Club
