The Lower Mississippi River (LMR) Dredging Update 31116 is attached for your reference.
Updated Navigation Restrictions in the Area of Southwest Pass (SWP):
The Associated Branch Pilots of the Port of New Orleans (Bar Pilots) adjusted their maximum draft recommendation to 43 feet for all vessels transiting SWP. This recommendation became effective at 1030 hours on Wednesday, March 9, 2016.
The Associated Federal Pilots and Docking Masters of Louisiana, LCC also increased their maximum draft recommendation to 43 feet for all vessels (specifically from the Southwest Pass Sea Buoy to the Old Quarantine Anchorage at Mile 3.5 Above Head of Passes [AHP]). The official notice is attached.
There are now 3 hopper dredges and 2 cuttherhead dredges working in Southwest Pass.
The Corps Mississippi Valley New Orleans (MVN) is focusing their channel recovery (maintenance) efforts at the Head of Passes and Cubits Gap with the 3 hoppers concentrating in these areas now and one cutterhead also expected to be moved to the Head of Passes soon.
The 2 dustpan dredges that had been working on the Crossings Above New Orleans, the WALLACE McGEORGE and JADWIN are departing today due to the rising river stages. The JADWIN’s departure will mean that the White Castle Anchorage (Mile 191.1 to Mile 190.4 AHP) will once again be available for vessel usage beginning at 1700 hours this evening. The MVN will look to reengage the dustpans when the stages begin to fall as there remains considerable shoaling across the majority of the Crossings. The dustpans are usually required when the Baton Rouge gauge approaches 20 feet, based on current projections that could happen in early April. However, there is no doubt the latest round of storms that have moved through the area will impact future stage levels and the next round of forecasts
Please see the attachments for complete details, including one provided by the MVN that highlights the dredges and their locations on the channel in the area of Southwest Pass (Please note the cutterhead G.D. Morgan has moved upriver since this slide was distirbuted).
