Ballard Locks, Seattle, AK Bering Sea Crabber, Rollo, Heading Up Hill to Alaska
Seattle, Ballard Locks: Vessel traffic in the small locks will continue with 24 hour operations as normal. The large lock is closed November 7, 2016 for annual maintenance and scheduled to re-open November 23, they actually opened the large locks the afternoon of the 23rd which made for happy Ship Canal workboats, tugboats and fishermen. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials have closed the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks park grounds in Ballard and reopen at 7 a.m., the normal operating time, November 16.
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks , Seattle, Ballard Locks
The large locks were closed on November 7 for annual maintenance and the electrical issue shut down the remaining small lock service. A maintenance crew worked to resolve the problem. The small locks were closed until further notice… and are now open and operating at this time. The locks grounds are still open to the public.
Sofia Lynn, Seiner Fall Fishing, Ballard Locks for a drop out into the Puget Sound
Due to an anticipated large gathering near the Locks and concern for public safety, continued vessel navigation and property protection, the Corps’ Seattle District is closing the park grounds at designated days and times in November due to Annual maintenance.
Sofia Lynn, Seine Fishermen Fall Fishing, Just went through the Ballard Locks now into the Puget Sound
Current projections are for a gathering of more than 700 people near the Locks, and the Corps doesn’t have the scheduled staff to ensure public safety and property protection for a gathering of the size anticipated. Fall Fishing is underway in the Pacific Northwest, Ballard Locks viewers need to be mindful of Annual November Locks maintenance.
It feels a lot different in the Seattle Ship Canal in November when the large locks are closed, it’s a lot less large marine traffic such as superyachts, tugboats and gravel barges, AK processors and much more… Shipyards like Western Towboat Company and Trident Old Yard are a lot quieter when the large locks aren’t open. Nothing is stopping the Seine Fishermen from dropping their way through the small locks to go sink some fall nets.
HAPPY FALL BOATING!
God Bless Our Marine Traffic NW Boating Community!
