ITCS Memo# 1752 - River re-opening from 273 UMR to 860 UMR

To: RIAC
From: Raymond Hopkins
Date: 5/21/01
Subject: River re-opening from 273 UMR to 860 UMR
ITCS Memo # 1752

CAPTAIN OF THE PORT ST LOUIS, UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE PORTS AND WATERWAYS SAFETY ACT, HAS ESTABLISHED A SAFETY ZONE CLOSING THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER FROM MM 238 TO MM 273 (L/D 24), DUE TO EXTENSIVE FLOODING AND FAST MOVING CURRENTS ALL RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL TRAFFIC ARE RESTRICTED FROM ENTERING THESE AREAS. ALL VESSELS ARE ADVISED TO EXIT THESE AREAS OR TO SEEK SAFE HARBOR IF CURRENTLY IN THE SAFETY ZONE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. VESSEL WAKES CAN SEVERELY ERODE RAILROAD TRACK BEDS AND DAMAGE SUBMERGED HOMES AND PROPERTY ALONG THE RIVER.

THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER HAS RE-OPENED FROM MM 860 (MINNEAPOLIS, MN) TO MM 273 (L/D 24). DUE TO FLOATING AND SUBMERGED DEBRIS FROM FLOOD WATERS THE COTP ST LOUIS HAS ISSUED THE FOLLOWING SAFETY ADVISORY. ALL VSLS ARE REQUESTED TO TRANSIT THIS AREA AT A MINIMUM SAFE SPEED AND CONTACT LOCAL LOCK MASTERS FOR LOCK OPENINGS. THIS SAFETY ADVISORY WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS, YOU MAY CONTACT MSO ST LOUIS AT 314-539-3091, EXT 1, OR GROUP UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER AT 319-524-7511.