With our first cool front today and winter season approaching, Houston Pilots would like to remind ship and terminal operators that the current maximum drafts permitted in the channel and alongside docks are contingent upon a minimum of a zero tide MLLW. As cold fronts push through Houston and water levels drop below zero, maximum allowable drafts will be limited accordingly. Prudent ship and terminal operators may wish to consider a 1’-2’ cushion to avoid delays due to low water. A good tool to consult for assessing front passage on water levels is the NWS PETSS model: https://slosh.nws.noaa.gov/petss/index.php?stid=8770613&datum=MLLW&show=1-1-0-1-1-1-1-1 or https://slosh.nws.noaa.gov/petss/index.php?stid=8770733&datum=MLLW&show=1-1-0-1-1-1-1-1.
Terminal Operators should also consider the impacts of possible protracted fog closures in the months ahead.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Captain Clint Winegar | Presiding Officer
Office: 281-476-8204
24/7 Dispatch: 713-645-9620, ext.3
