The Rigolets and opening of the Bonnett Carre spillway...

[Floating Dental Student]

I just read that the Army Corps of Engineers has opened the Bonnett Carre spillway to relieve the swollen Mississippi River. It is obvious that this will add to the volume of Lake Pontchartrain and essentially be drained out via the Rigolets.

(http://www.wbrz.com/news/corps-to-open-bonnet-carre-spillway-monday/)

What possible effects could this have on the current along Rigolets?

I am posting this question because I plan on sailing into lake Pontarchtrain via the Rigolets in early June and I am worried about the current being too powerful to sail (or motor if necessary) through.

I will be sailing an '89 Catalina 30 which has the stock Universal 25hp inboard diesel.

Sincerely,
Floating Dental Student

 

[sailaway78]

Rigolets

The currents through the Rigolets shouldn't be extreme. Last time they opened the spillway there was no noticable change. Will probably be more this time as water is going to be much higher. Still shouldn't be a problem. I live and keep my boat just inside the Rigolets, and will be happy to keep you informed.

 

[Forrest15112]

Re: The Rigolets and opening of the Bonnett Carre spillway..

I remember it being opened in the 90's. I sailed out of the south shore and really didn't notice much difference than normal. I didn't notice any water level change but about a mile out there was a narrow line of debris as far as you could see east and west. It was mostly grass but there were large tree branches and I saw one entire tree floating just at the surface. A little farther out and there would be another line of stuff. The water will look a little greener than usual for a while then it will return to normal within a couple of months after they close it. You won't have any trouble navigating the Rigolets.

 

[kloudie1]

Re: The Rigolets and opening of the Bonnett Carre spillway..

They are saying that it will be open only a couple or three weeks.. Probably will be closed by June 1/2/3 ish.. unless there is significant rainfall in the mid/North Louisiana regions.. Last time they opened 'em a lot, there was an awful algae bloom in mid/late summer from the uuuhhhhhh nutrients added to the lake from the river.. Gates had been closed for a few months when the bloom happened.. We were sailing on the North Shore today (really nice sail) and the water is in better condition than normal right now.

 

[Forrest15112]

They are saying that it will be open only a couple or three weeks.. Probably will be closed by June 1/2/3 ish.. unless there is significant rainfall in the mid/North Louisiana regions.. Last time they opened 'em a lot, there was an awful algae bloom in mid/late summer from the uuuhhhhhh nutrients added to the lake from the river.. Gates had been closed for a few months when the bloom happened.. We were sailing on the North Shore today (really nice sail) and the water is in better condition than normal right now.

You can say that again! I went out Saturday and it was fantastic. Days like that make me wonder how I neglected my boat for so long. What marina are you in in Mandeville?

 

[Floating Dental Student]

Re: The Rigolets and opening of the Bonnett Carre spillway..

Awesome response guys, I am astonished at the camaraderie between sailors.

Nice & Easy: I may just take you up on that offer to get a first hand account of the status of the river closer to my arrival.

Forrester: Good thought, I'll definitely pay attention to floating debris.

Kloudie: "Nutrients"?? Algal Bloom? Guess that's better than an oil plume.

 

[sailaway78]

Not a problem

Up to date info is not a problem for any of the Ponchatrain areas. My next door neighbor is a St.Tammany Sheriff, who does water patrol. Latest up to date info is always easy to come by. And I live about ten minutes from the I-10 bridge, so am very close to what is going on on this end of the lake. Questions?? Just ask.