GL: Wing Dams (more)

[Scott Coles]

Hello all,

I have done some further research on wing dams and the sailing line.  I talked
to Bill Gretten who is the POC for the St Louis District.  What I am seing on
the charts are called "Bendway Weirs" and are a relatively new addition to the
river.  Charts from 10 years ago wouldn't have them shown.  They are typically
covered with at least 20' of water and are placed at outside bends of the
river to control the flow and turbulance in these areas.  The river is
constantly trying to erode the outside corner of a bend and these structures
help to control this.  A good example is at mile 130 on the Mississippi (map
103).  The sailing line is correct and it is safe to go over these structures.
These are not to be confused with wing dams.  Here's a link more info.
http://chl.erdc.usace.army.mil/chl.aspx?p=s&a=ARTICLES;109

Scott Coles
MASCOT  Mainship 390
Loop starting date 6/1/07