Our drought is bringing low river levels, that aren't only impacting barge traffic, but are also having an impact on pleasure boaters too.
River levels are dropping daily and that means boaters need to be very careful when launching their boats into shallow areas. The peaceful sound of the river could easily turn into the sound of scraping boat motors and squealing tires if people are not cautious. It's something John Eacker has seen first hand.
"A man backing in his boat sunk his back tires all the way into the water and it was just a rear wheel drive car and the tires just sat there and spun," Eacker said.
Eacker said he has been enjoying the river for years, and while he knows it like the back of his hand, for those that don't, the low water can be dangerous.
"If you don't know the water, if your kind of a first time boater you have to keep your wits about you and be as careful as possible," Eacker said.
Here's a look at just how low the river levels are: right now at Rock Island Lock and Dam 15 levels are sitting at just over five feet and continuing to drop. The norm is more than 6 feet and last year in that same area levels were above eight feet. Iowa Conservation officer Jeff Harrison said the drastic change makes navigating the water a challenge.
"We've had a couple of boats that have stranded themselves in sand bars. Anytime you leave the channel, you need to be extremely safe. Because you boated there last week, a month ago, doesn't mean you'll be able to go full throttle or up on a plane when your in there."
Harrison said more boaters have also been hitting wing dams and closing dams. He said to avoid obstacles like that, boaters should carry a navigation chart and try to stay in the center of the channel. It's a tip Eacker agrees will save you a bumpy ride.
"The closer you are to the shore the more likely you are to hit something."
DNR Officers said conditions in the river change rapidly, so it's up to boaters to use their best judgement as to whether or not it's worth the risk. To check the latest river levels go to http://www2.mvr.usace.army.mil/WaterControl/new/layout.cfm. You can also buy navigation charts from the Mississippi River Visitors Center on Arsenal Island.
