GL: River Charts Lk Michigan to Tenn (wing dams)

[Scott Coles]

Hello all,

I have just received the ACOE charts for the inland rivers from Chicago to
the Gulf.  I was very impressed with the whole process.  Simply call the
appropriate office and they send them the same day and the price was very
reasonable.  I guess that's our tax dollars at work!  I had already known
that the level of detail on these charts was not what I was used to seeing
 on ocean charts but was impressed with the information that was on them.
 The line drawings of all the bridges should be helpful.

 The question I have is regarding the "Sailing Line" that is shown on all the
 charts.  In some places, it goes right over wing dams.  How exposed and
 dangerous are wing dams?  I have heard that in some places and at some water
 levels they are exposed and easy to see but at other times they can lurk
 just below the surface.  Just how dangerous are wing dams?

 Thanks,
 Scott Coles
 MASCOT   Mainship 390



>
> We  have done thousands upon thousands of miles on the inland river
> system(s) and have never had any problem with the Corps of Engineer
> charts.
> They are bound in books and exceedingly easy to follow. In fact, Pat and I
> have often discussed about how accurate they are--even when using a chart
> more than 15 yrs old.