This is to advise mariners transiting the White River Entrance Channel (WREC) of increased head differentials between Norrell Lock and Dam and Montgomery Point Lock and Dam.  At 7:00 p.m. today, the tailwater elevation at Norrell Lock and Dam was 146.42 ft-msl and the headwater elevation at Montgomery Point Lock and Dam was 143.10 ft-msl with a differential of 3.32 feet.  The WREC differential is forecasted to increase to 4.0 feet by 30 March 2023.  The differential is expected to begin decreasing after 01 April 2023. A subsequent navigation notice will be issued once the differential is forecasted to decrease below and remain below 3.0 feet. Mariners are reminded of advised tow restrictions during increased differentials: 

WREC Differential	# Barges
2.9 feet or less	No restriction
3.0 to 4.4 feet	12 barge down bound restriction No restriction up bound
4.5 to 5.0 feet	9 barge down bound restriction No up bound restriction
5.1 to 5.9 feet	4 barge down bound restriction during daylight 2 barge down bound restriction during night No up bound restriction

Mariners transiting the WREC should use extreme caution in this area, especially when passing Montgomery Point Lock and Dam. Contact Montgomery Point Lock and Dam or Norrell Lock and Dam for current differential and elevations or visit our website at https://www.swl-wc.usace.army.mil/Hourly_Data/arkansas_river_projects2.htm.

Questions or requests for additional information concerning this notice should be directed to the Little Rock District Office at (501) 324-5096 or you may email CESWL-OP-OM@usace.army.mil.

Original source can be found here.