Notice to Navigators: Pacific Rivers
NOTICE TO MARINERS
Pacific Rivers
LNM 15-22
SECTION I - SPECIAL NOTICES
This section contains information of special concern to the Mariner.
OREGON – WASHINGTON – IDAHO – Farewell to traditional nautical charts
NOAA is in the process of “sunsetting” or ending the production of traditional paper charts. However, even prior to traditional chart production ending, users may notice differences between paper charts and ENCs. There are two broad categories of data that are applied onto NOAA ENCs and paper / raster nautical charts – "Critical Corrections" and "Routine" data. Critical Corrections may be newly discovered shoals or other dangers to navigation, as well as changes in the positions or characteristics of aids to navigation (buoys, beacons, and lights). These are typically changes that are published by the Coast Guard in the weekly LNM. Critical corrections are applied to ENCs first, then applied to paper and raster nautical charts. These changes generally appear on both product types (raster and ENC) within a week of each other. However, new Routine source data are now ONLY applied to NOAA ENCs and not to traditional paper and raster nautical charts. Routine data includes the results of ordinary hydrographic and shoreline surveys, which could be extensive. Any specific dangers revealed during routine surveys are extracted from the data and classified as Critical Corrections to be applied to all products. For more information visit NOAA’s website: https://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/charts/farewell-to-traditional-nautical-charts.html
OREGON – APPROACHES TO YAQUINA AND DEPOE BAY – Autonomous surface vessel operations
Oregon State University and NOAA will deploy an autonomous underwater and surface vehicle, "Triton", to collect water samples off the Oregon Shelf from Yaquina Head out to 35 NM offshore on 18 – 22 Apr 22. Triton will operate in surface mode only, on an approximately east-west trackline between 44-39-07.2 N, 124-06-00 W, and 44-39-07.2 N, 124-52-58.8 W, beginning at 0800 on 18 Apr and continuing until 22 Apr dependent upon weather conditions. Triton typically operates at slow speeds of 2 – 5 knots, is approximately 14 feet in length, and may have a 10 foot sail deployed. Triton is equipped with an all-around white light. The R/V Elakha for will be on scene for deployment and retrieval, and can be hailed on VHF-FM channel 16. If the R/V is not present, mariners are advised that Triton has no communication capability or collision avoidance maneuvering ability. A representative photograph of Triton is included as Enclosure (4) of this LNM. For more information, contact Anna Bolm at (415) 378-3610 or email at anna.bolm@noaa.gov.
OREGON – WASHINGTON – COLUMBIA RIVER TO STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA – Pacific Northwest Offshore Sailboat Race
The Corinthian Yacht Club is holding the annual Pacific NW Offshore Sailing Race starting from Columbia River Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy 2 (LLNR 9910) at the mouth of the Columbia River to the Strait of Juan De Fuca, then eastward finishing in Port Angeles, WA. 22 Sailboats are expected for this 193 NM event that will start at 1000 on 12 May and may run until 15 May 2022. For more information, contact Craig Garrison at (503) 799-8178 or email at cwgarr@gmail.com.
OREGON – PORT OF PORTLAND – WILLAMETTE RIVER – Bridge Notice
The Coast Guard has approved two temporary deviations from the normal operating schedule that governs the Steel Railroad-Highway Bridge (LLNR 14955.3) across the Willamette River, RM 12.1. The Steel Bridge need not open the upper lift to marine traffic for the dates and times listed below. These deviations support Rose Festival Parade events. The lower lift span of the Steel Bridge operates in accordance with 33 CFR 117.5 (open on single). When the lower lift is in the closed-to-navigation position, the bridge provides 26 feet of vertical clearance above Columbia River Datum 0.0; and in the open-to-navigation position with the upper lift in the closed-to-navigation position, the vertical clearance is 71 feet above Columbia River Datum 0.0. The Steel Bridge will be able to open the lower deck, and the upper deck if required, for emergencies. This part of the Willamette River does not have an immediate alternate route for vessels to pass. Vessels able to pass through the Steel Bridge with the lower deck in the closed or open-to-navigation position, or the upper deck in the closed-to-navigation position may do so at any time. The normal operating schedule for the Steel Bridge upper lift is in accordance with 33 CFR § 117.897(c)(3)(ii). Scheduled events / times of approved deviations:
- Rose Festival Starlight Parade from 1900 – 2330 on 04 Jun 2022;
- Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade from 0700 – 1300 on 11 Jun 2022.
SNAKE RIVER – LAKE SACAJAWEA – Lower Monumental Lock upstream floating guidewall restrictions
Until repairs to the floating guide wall keyway that connects the guide wall to the dam are completed, vessels transiting the Lower Monumental navigation lock at Snake River mile 41.6, must use caution when operating near the project’s upstream floating guide wall. Specifically, vessels may not tie up to the floating guide wall. Additionally, vessels may not rub against the floating guide wall when approaching or leaving the lock, nor should they use the guidewall as a pivot point for entering the lock. Crew changes for commercial vessels may only take place within the lock chamber when the vessel is properly secured to floating mooring bits. These restrictions will remain in place until repairs can be completed to the floating guide wall keyway. These repairs are planned for completion by 1700 on 28 April 2022. River users may contact the Lower Monumental Shift Operator at (509) 282-7231, or VHF-FM Channel 14 using call sign WUJ43 Lower Monumental, for more information about lockage or the NWW Operations Division at (509) 527-7364 for information on the repairs.
SNAKE RIVER – LAKE BRYAN – Little Goose Lock upstream hazard
To avoid a hazard upstream of the Little Goose navigation lock at Snake River mile 70.3, vessels are cautioned to ensure two feet distance is maintained between the transiting vessel and the landside upstream guide wall. A hazard to loaded commercial barge traffic has been identified attached to the guide wall at an approximate depth of 11 feet at minimum forebay pool elevation, directly across from the upstream end of the floating guide wall. Project personnel have marked the location with an orange painted “X” on the landside lock approach wall and an orange “candlestick” hazard marker atop the wall at the location of the hazard. A strobe light will also be installed at the location for identification of the hazard area at night. Additionally, to facilitate safe navigation, the Little Goose forebay will be maintained at one foot above minimum operating pool until further notice. These restrictions will remain in place until the hazard can be removed and permanent repairs completed. That work is tentatively scheduled to be completed by March 2023. For additional information on this work contact the NWW Operations Division at (509) 527-7364.
WASHINGTON – LAKE WASHINGTON SHIP CANAL – UNION BAY REACH - Montlake Bridge notice
The Coast Guard has approved a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the Montlake Street Bridge (LLNR 18240) across the Lake Washington Ship Canal, mile 5.2, at Seattle, WA. This deviation is necessary to accommodate two University of Washington graduation ceremonies. The draw of the Montlake Bridge need not open for marine vessels from 1030 to 1430 and from 1630 to 1830 on 11 Jun and 12 Jun 2022. The Montlake Bridge in the closed-to-navigation position provides 30 feet of vertical clearance throughout the navigation channel, and 46 feet of vertical clearance throughout the center 60 feet of the bridge; vertical clearance references to the Mean Water Level of Lake Washington. Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed-to-navigation position may do so at any time. The bridge will be able to open for emergencies, and there is no immediate alternate route for vessels to pass. The normal operating schedule for the Montlake Bridge operates in accordance with 33 CFR § 117.1051(e). For more information on these bridge closures contact Colleen Kelly at kellyc@wsdot.wa.gov.
WASHINGTON – STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA TO STRAIT OF GEORGIA – HARO STRAIT – Uncrewed surface vessel operations
An uncrewed surface vessel (USV) with MMSI 316044033 will be operating in Haro Strait from approximately 0900 to 1400 on 19 Apr 2022. The vessel is approximately 11 feet in length, red and white in color, and will normally operate at slow speeds of approximately 4 knots. Operations will include crossing from Canadian waters into US waters and conducting tests in the vicinity of Lime Kiln Lighthouse (LLNR 19695) on San Juan Island, prior to crossing back into Canadian waters. The vessel is equipped with cameras and will monitor vessel traffic while crossing the shipping lanes. A photograph of the Data Xplorer USV is included as Enclosure (5) of this LNM. For more information, contact Forest McKeating, Open Ocean Robotics, at (250) 551-1247 or email forest@openoceanrobotics.com.
WASHINGTON – STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA TO STRAIT OF GEORGIA – SWINOMISH CHANNEL SOUTH ENTRANCE – Shoaling (Revised from LNM 14/22)
Significant shoaling exists in Swinomish Channel, especially the South Entrance between South Entrance Buoy 5 (LLNR 18802) and South Entrance Daybeacon 12 (LLNR 18812). The project depth of Swinomish Channel is 12 feet, however, the controlling depth of Swinomish Channel is 4.1 feet based upon the latest available hydrographic data. This controlling depth of 4.1 feet is reflected on NOAA ENC products. Raster products do not reflect this sounding information, as they are no longer being updated with most routine corrections. Mariners should consult ENC cells for the most up-to-date information. Mariners should transit the Swinomish Channel waterway with caution, especially at low tidal conditions.
WASHINGTON – GPS testing
US Strategic Command has proposed GPS testing encompassing the majority of Washington. The center point of the test will be near Selah, WA, at position 46-41-13.7 N, 120-10-21.8 W with a radius of 141 NM. The GPS navigation signal may be unreliable due to testing on GPS frequencies used by shipboard navigation and handheld systems. Systems that rely on GPS, such as e-911, AIS and DSC, may be affected. The testing frequency will be GPS L1/L2.
The testing periods will be:
1701 on 27 May 22 until 1659 on 01 Jun 22
1701 on 16 Jun 22 until 1659 on 21 Jun 22
For additional information or to express concerns, contact the Coast Guard Navigation Center at (703) 313-5900 or at https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=dgpsSiteInfo¤tOutages.
OREGON – IDAHO – GPS testing
US Strategic Command has proposed GPS testing encompassing NE Oregon, SW Idaho, Northern Nevada and NW Utah. The center point of the test will be near Twin Lakes, ID, at position 43-33-27.2 N, 115-35-54.9 W with a radius of 247 NM. The GPS navigation signal may be unreliable due to testing on GPS frequencies used by shipboard navigation and handheld systems. Systems that rely on GPS, such as e-911, AIS and DSC, may be affected. The testing frequency will be GPS L1/L2. The testing period will be 1000 – 1600 daily (MST) from 19 – 24 May 2022. For additional information or to express concerns, contact the Coast Guard Navigation Center at (703) 313-5900 or at https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=dgpsSiteInfo¤tOutages.
SECTION VII - GENERAL
This section contains information of general concern to the Mariners. Mariners are advised to use caution while transiting these areas.
ARIZONA/CALIFORNIA-COLORADO RIVER-BRIDGES
LOWER CIBOLA BRIDGE-Two upriver red pier lights are reported extinguished on the bridge.
CIBOLA FARMERS BRIDGE-The downriver red pier lights at piers 2, 3, and 4 are extinguished.
PARKER RAILROAD BRIDGE- The downriver west pier 3 red light is extinguished. Mariners are urged to use caution while transiting these bridges. For further information contact the Coast Guard Bridge Office at 510-437-3514.
LOWER COLORADO RIVER - LAKE HAVASU, AZ – MARINE EVENT
Jet Jam Racing Inc. will be sponsoring the the Hydro Turf Jet Jam Racing Series on 3-5 June, 2022 from 6:00am to 6:00pm in Lake Havasu, AZ. The event will consist of approximately 100 personal watercraft racing on a closed course near Crazy Horse Campgrounds. Mariners are advised to exercise due caution while transiting the area. For more details or comments, contact Monte Hughes at 360-349-1341.
LOWER COLORADO RIVER – PARKER, AZ – MARINE EVENT
Personal Watercraft Racing LLC will be sponsoring the Full Throttle WaterX personal watercraft (PWC) race on 30 April, 2022 from 12:00pm to 5:30pm in Parker, AZ. The event will consist of approximately 100 participants racing PWCs on a closed course near Patria Flats. Mariners are advised to exercise due caution while transiting the area. For more details or comments, contact Deegan Newton at 562-756-6268.
LOWER COLORADO RIVER-LAKE HAVASU, AZ-MARINE EVENT
Phantom Productions LLC will sponsor a high speed boat racing marine event involving approximately 250 powerboats participating in 3 separate venues from Wednesday, 20 April, 2022 to Sunday, 24 April, 2022. Krusin for a Kause will occur on Wednesday, 20 April, 2022. A poker run will occur on Friday, 22 April, 2022 from 11:00am-5:00pm and will involve boats racing throughout the Colorado River in the vicinity of Lake Havasu Springs to Havasu Landing. The Desert Storm Shootout race will occur on 23 April, 2022, with a backup day on 24 April, 2022, on a closed course in Lake Havasu. Mariners are advised to exercise caution when transiting this area. For further comments or details, contact Christina Nichols at 623-238- 1330.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA-DELTA & RIVERS-SACRAMENTO RIVER-BRIDGE
FREEPORT BRIDGE-The upriver west side bascule span red/green light and the downriver east side bascule span red/green light are extinguished. For more information contact the Coast Guard Bridge Office at 510-437-3514.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA-OFFSHORE-COMMERCIAL SALMON FISHERIES
NMFS has taken in season actions in the commercial salmon fishery south of Cape Falcon. Beginning Tuesday, April 12, 2022, and continuing through Tuesday, April 27, 2022. Effective May 15, 2022, at 11:59pm the commercial salmon fishery from Heceta bank to humbug mountain is closed. Effective, May 1, 2022, at 12:01am the commercial salmon fishery from Heceta bank to humbug mountain is open through May 15, 2022, at 11:59. Effective, April 30, 2022, at 11:59pm the commercial salmon fishery from Humbug Mountain to OR/CA border is closed.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA-SAN FRANCISCO BAY-BRIDGE
WESTERN SPAN SAN FRANCISCO-OAKLAND BAY BRIDGE-Fender repairs are being conducted through 15 July, 2022, Monday through Friday, during daylight hours at piers B, C, D, and E. The 150’ X 54’ Crane Barge Kelso will be anchored at various locations during the work (See SFOBBTemporaryBargeLocations.pdf in the enclosure section). The barges will be left on-scene, unmanned, after normal working hours. During the work day the barge can be moved for the safety of navigation with two hours advanced notice. After working hours the barge can be moved for the safety of navigation with six hours advanced notice. Barges, anchors and anchor lines will not impede the D-E shipping channel during work. Mariners are requested to transit the area with caution. For on-site conditions, mariners can contact the contractor at 415-720-3807 or Caltrans at 510-867-4545. For further information contact the Coast Guard Bridge Office at 510-437-3515.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA - MARINE EVENT - SAN DIEGO - MISSION BAY
The Crystal Pier Outrigger Race will occur on 7 May, 2022 in Mission Bay. This outrigger canoe-racing event will begin at 7:00am and go until 5:00pm with four separate races. The majority of the racing will be within Fiesta Bay in the vicinity of Crown Point Beach. Racing will also include two races that proceed through the Mission Bay Channel offshore, racing to Crystal Pier to the north and returning to Crown Point. Mariners are advised to exercise caution while transiting these areas during racing events. For more details or comments contact Ms. Kelly Tait at 856-266-2300.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA – SOUTHWEST OF SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND - OCEANOGRAPHIC OPERATIONS
The Scripps Institution of Oceanography R/V SALLY RIDE (Call Sign WSAF) will be conducting 24-hour surface oceanographic operations from 22- 27April, 2022. Operations consist of parallel survey lines running NW-SE and NE-SW within the following positions: 32-41-13N 119-20-30W 31-51-11N 119-20-30W 31-51-11N 118-10-19W 32-41-13N 118-10-19W During operations, the research vessel will be restricted in its ability to maneuver and maritime traffic is requested to give the research vessel a wide berth and exercise caution when transiting the area. The R/V SALLY RIDE will be monitoring VHF-FM Chan. 13 & 16. For more details or comments contact Capt. Wes Hill at 858-534-5568 or the Chief Scientist Boe Derosier at 605-920-8641.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA- OFFSHORE IMPERIAL BEACH- UNMANNED OPERATIONS
The U.S. Navy will be conducting Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) operations in the vicinity of Imperial Beach until 16 April, 2022 in the areas bound by the following coordinates: 32-34-48N 117-18-03W 32-34-48N 117-17-37W 32-36-48N 117-17-27W 32-36-48N 117-18-03W Mariners are requested to transit the area with caution. For more details or comments contact Gordon Reese at 850-819-7660.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA-ALAMITOS BAY-BRIDGE
Appian Way-The west side green center channel light is extinguished. For more information contact the Coast Guard Bridge Office at 510-437- 3514.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA-MARINE EVENT-SAN DIEGO-SAN DIEGO BAY
The Cortez Racing Association (CRA) will sponsor the CRA Beer Can Series Regatta every Wednesday from 4:00pm to 8:00pm, starting on 18 May, 2022 and re-occurring until 27 July, 2022. The regatta will consist of 125 sailboats participating in a regatta in North San Diego Bay, CA. The regatta will race a course in San Diego Bay, starting and finishing at Harbor Island. Mariners are advised to use due caution when transiting this area. For more details or comments, contact Dale Greaney at 760-470-1730.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA-PORT OF LONG BEACH HARBOR-DREDGE OPERATIONS
Pacific Dredge Company is conducting dredge operations in the Port of Long Beach Harbor. Operations will be conducted 12 hrs. a day during daylight hours, from 18-24 April, 2022. Dredging will take place within berths C62 and C60. DB 180, tug PATRIOT, harbor boat ROBYN along with Dump Scows PDC 2002 will be conducting operations. All vessels will be monitoring VHF-FM Chan. 06 and 16. Mariners are requested to transit the area with caution. For more details or comments contact Matt MacArthur at 951-541-6941.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA-SAN DEIGO BAY-MARINE EVENT
The Cortez Racing Association (CRA) will be sponsoring the CRA/CYC Crown Cup sailboat regatta on 4 June, 2022 from 10:00am to 5:00pm. The regatta will consist of approximately 50 sailboats racing on a course in South San Diego Bay, starting near buoy 30. Mariners are requested to transit the area with caution. For more details or comments, contact Dale Greaney at 760-470-1730.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA-SAN DIEGO BAY-MARINE EVENT
The San Diego Yacht Club (SDYC) will sponsor the Opening Day Race on Saturday, 23 April, 2022 from 11:30am to 4:30pm. The regatta will consist of 40 sailboats participating in a regatta in San Diego Bay. Mariners are advised to use due caution when transiting these areas. For more details or comments, contact Jeff Johnson at 619-933-9922.
OREGON - WASHINGTON - IDAHO - MONTANA - Summary of Bridge Lighting Discrepancies and Corrections
OREGON - WASHINGTON - COLUMBIA RIVER - Summary of Dredging Operations
OREGON - WASHINGTON - COLUMBIA RIVER - Summary of Marine Events