It would be fair to assume that significant sediment transfer has taken place since the 3 week old survey. However, during the last several days, this portion of the Carolina coast was effected by swell from Hurricane Joaquin, heavy rains and windy conditions. Several reports from local boaters confirmed the ACOE survey data. Shoaling is significantly worse than you may have experienced during your spring 2015 transit. Hank Pomeranz of Carolina Yacht Care in Southport NC reminds us that massive hydrological activity tends to move a lot of sediment and create shoals, especially near the many small inlets along the ICW: "The most recent Army Corps of Engineers Survey, Dated Sept 18, 2015, for the intersection of the AICW with Lockwoods Folly Inlet at MM 321, shows significant shoaling at G ”47". He says the water has receded several inches, but won't come down all the way until the wind dies or shifts direction. See a flyover video of the flooding in Belhaven at top of article, courtesy Epic Paper Productions. Boats that were staying there had moved to the Belhaven Town Docks where the pilings are higher. Henry Boyd of River Forest Manor and Marina in Belhaven (Mile 136) reports that the town is still flooded, the marina docks were under water for days, and he has finally been able to get the electricity back on. Sailors keep in mind that the Wilkerson Bridge on the Alligator Pungo Canal (Mile 126) is charted at 64' vertical clearance, and will provide even a few feet less until the water levels drop. The Alligator River Bridge (Mile 84.2 – 14' closed clearance) had been closed for the last few days due to high winds, although it was able to open this afternoon, and high winds are not predicted in the near future (the bridge may not open if winds exceed 34 knots). You wouldn't have wanted to cross the Albemarle Sound until today anyway. The locks on the Great Dismal Swamp Canal Route have operated normally throughout the period, having been spared the brunt of the rainfall – and the duckweed is clearing up. The Great Bridge Lock (Mile 11.3) was closed several times due to high water, but the lock tender says they are now back to normal operation, but could have temporary closures depending how high the tides are. We've learned to trust the placement of buoys – especially the ones that are moved regularly – to show us the way. Extra high water and current can snap a buoy's chain or pull its anchor out of the seabed, moving it just about anywhere. Tall-masted sailboaters need to also remember that high water means lower bridge clearances – and don't expect every bridge to have tide boards!Īnother risk is posed by buoys that might be off station. In high tidal ranges, you also run the dangerous risk of your vessel toppling over, ready for the next tide to swamp it. However, imagine grounding when the water levels are a few feet above mean high water – it might take extreme measures to get your boat off that shoal (or bank). We've all grounded (or will eventually) – usually it's inconvenient and embarrassing. Having all that extra water under the keel sounds great – but it poses some extra risks. Or you may want to stay put a little longer. It would be wise to check the local weather several times a day to stay informed. So, if you’re cruising in the area enjoy the beautiful scenery (this is one of the prettiest areas of the waterway) but keep a vigilant lookout for items in the water. Travel Safe!" All of the rivers and lakes are way beyond flood stage and will remain in that condition for some time to come. Crab pots and wayward markers are also a concern. "You could encounter trees, parts of docks, logs, deadheads, and anything else that wasn't nailed down. Water depths should be good (finally) because of all of the rain in this area in the past 4 days (anywhere from 10 to 20 inches), but what comes with all of that is the debris. The water conditions could be challenging. "If you’re travelling the ICW in either North Carolina or South Carolina within the next week or two, you will want to pay extra attention in the area from Wrightsville Beach, NC past Charleston, SC. Waterway Guide Cruising Editors Bud and Elaine Lloyd on Diamond Girl offer their recommendations: Along with the persistent high water, several cruisers and marinas have reported logs and other floating debris – best to stay slow and keep a keen watch, or stay put for a few days. Record rainfall and high onshore winds have combined to wreak havoc on parts of the Chesapeake Bay and Intracoastal Waterway. Posted by Epic Paper Productions on Monday, October 5, 2015
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