Falling Mississippi River Level Closes Lower MKARNS

Due to the rapid drop of water levels in the Mississippi River and shoaling at Mile 9.9 in the downstream approach to Norrell Lock (No.1), the navigation channel in this part of the McClellan-Kerr is currently impassable to commercial tows, the Little Rock Engineer District reported September 20.

Clamshell dredging is underway, the Corps said, but gave no estimate on when the channel will be passable. Josh Hendricks, chief of maintenance for the Little Rock District, said September 23 there might be two or three days of further dredging before the channel is opened. He said a rise in the Mississippi River was expected, which backs up into the White River and raises water levels.

The Norrell Lock is situated where a branch of the Arkansas River joins the White River close to the latter’s junction with the Mississippi River. 

An additional navigation notice will be submitted when the channel is open for navigation.