Algocanada departs Soo, ON, after 12-day stay
The Algoma Central Corp. tanker Algocanada was downbound from the Purvis Dock in the lower harbor Friday after a 12-day stay. Although the vessel has been empty for several days, she remained tied up in the Soo until her next cargo was available. USCG cutter Katmai Bay ran two passes down Algocanada’s port side, allowing the tanker to swing away from the dock. By 10 p.m., she anchored for the night just past Lime Island. Watch a video of the day’s ice ops here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/74265040605/posts/10160326529660606/?comment_id=10160326570850606¬if_id=1646442452130632¬if_t=group_comment&ref=notif
Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron water levels are near their seasonal low point
Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron water levels are near their seasonal low point and depending on weather and water supply conditions could begin their seasonal spring rise over the coming weeks. Lake Superior water levels remain below the seasonal long-term average while Lake Michigan-Huron water levels remain above the seasonal long-term average. Lake Superior outflows continue to be set in consideration of water levels upstream and downstream.
The Board expects the total outflow to be 1,570 m3 /s (55.4 tcfs) in March, which is as prescribed by Lake Superior Regulation Plan 2012. The gate setting at the Compensating Works will be maintained at the setting equivalent to one-half gate open (Gates #7 through #10 partially open 20 cm (7.9 in)). There will be no change to the setting of Gate #1, which supplies a flow of about 15 m3 /s to the channel north of the Fishery Remedial Dike.
Water levels of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron continued to decline in February. Lake Superior declined 2 cm (0.8 in), while on average the lake declines 5 cm (2 in) in February. Lake Michigan-Huron declined 3 cm (1.2 in) last month, while on average the lake remains stable in February.
At the beginning of March, Lake Superior is 9 cm (3.5 in) below the long-term average water level (1918 – 2021) and 28 cm (11 in) below the level of a year ago. Lake Michigan-Huron is 23 cm (9 in) above average, 43 cm (17 in) below the level from last year, and 69 cm (27 in) below the record-high level set at this time in 2020.
Depending on the weather and water supply conditions during the next month, Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron water levels may continue to decline by as much as 10 cm (3.9 in.) in March. Conversely, it is possible that water levels will begin their seasonal rise and could rise by as much as 10 cm (3.9 in.) over the next month.
U.S. Brig Niagara to set sail in 2022
Erie, PA – Months of negotiations have come to an end as the U.S. Brig Niagara will set sail for the 2022 season and take part in the Tall Ships Festival this summer. Niagara hasn’t set sail for the past two years due to COVID-19.
After several months of negotiations between the Flagship Niagara League and the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC), both have agreed to sailing the Niagara. The PHMC approved the U.S. Brig Niagara to have a sailing season and be part of the Tall Ships Erie this summer.
“We want the Niagara to be the ship leading the parade. We want the Parade of Sails coming in just like it was in 2019 with the Niagara in the front with all the tall ships behind her,” said Captain William Sabatini, Executive Director of the Flagship Niagara League.
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission released the following statement: “The discussion was positive with the FNL and PHMC committing to sailing the Flagship Niagara this season and presenting a successful Tall Ships Erie.”
With its rich history, it is important to the community that the Niagara is set to sail this upcoming summer. “As you go through Erie’s revitalization, the Bayfront is part of that revitalization and this ship was one of the first parts of that Bayfront revitalization back in ’88 when the ship was launched, and back in 1991 when the ship first started sailing,” said Sabatini.
Both organizations are coming together next week to finalize the agreement.
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