Mississippi River Seasonal Height and Current Increases *Update*
25 February 2021
Following our earlier advice (see below) on seasonal increases in the height of the Mississippi River, further advice has since been made available by US-based maritime consultants IMC LLC.
Their circular 01/20 focuses on anchoring issues on the Mississippi River associated with the high water levels and increased currents that are typically experienced between December and May.
IMC’s circular can be read here.
21 March 2019
A recent rise in incidents in the Mississippi has coincided with higher than normal river heights and currents.
Increases in river height and currents are normal from December through to May. However, North’s correspondent in New Orleans, Chaffe McCall LLP, advised that the present conditions are beyond those normally expected.
High river levels are reported from Baton Rouge through New Orleans and downriver. This has been reportedly caused by melted snow from the northern states finding its way into the river system, local heavy rainfall during the last couple of months in addition to the expected seasonal rise.
For vessels calling in this area, it is recommended that the Master seeks up-to-date information from the shipowners appointed agent as well as from the vessel’s pilot via a thorough Master – Pilot exchange (MPX) and agreeing any subsequent amendments required to the passage plan.