ITCS Memo# 1840 - Low Water Advisory for Illinois Waterway and Upper Miss ( UM mile 184.0 to 0.0)

To: RIAC
From: Raymond Hopkins
Date: 12/28/01
Subject: Low Water Advisory for Illinois Waterway and Upper Miss ( UM mile 184.0 to 0.0)
ITCS Memo # 1840

Illinois Waterway

Due to the forecasted ice conditions IRCA, in conjunction with the USCG and the COE, recommends the following for all tows transiting n/b or s/b on the Illinois Waterways:

1. Tows transiting north of Peoria Lock, mile 158 IL R should move barges drafting no more than nine feet.

2. Tows transiting south of Peoria Lock should move barges drafting no more than nine feet three inches.

Note: Any barges in transit that draft more than the recommendations should be built in the center of the tow.

3. Ice Conditions Notice- Rake to box ice couplings, the entire width of the tow, at the break points of the tow, will be required at all locks when ice is present at the lock. Double tripping and use of industry helper boats during ice conditions will be required if proper couplings are not accomplished prior to arrival at the lock. Failure to have the tow configured properly may result in loss of lock turn. Tow configuration to ice couplings shall not be accomplished at the lock or lock approach.

Upper Miss.

Due to the low river stages between St. Louis and Cairo and having no
significant rainfall forecast in the near future RIAC, in conjunction with the USCG and the COE, recommends the following advisory.

1) All tows transiting between St. Louis and Cairo on the Upper Mississippi River should move barges drafting no more than
10 ft. 6 in.

2) S/B tow size is recommended to be no more than 5 jumbo barges wide.

3) N/B tow size is recommended to be no more than 6 jumbo barges wide.

Note: Any barges in transit that draft more than the recommendations should be built in the center of the tow.