Small Lock Pumpout Completed

It is time for the annual inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of the small lock!

On March 13, the water remaining in the chamber was pumped out so the lower walls and floor are accessible.

The pumps for this operation are located underneath the Administration Building. If you peek in the basement windows, you may be able to see some of the plumbing for the pumps.

It takes about 4 hours to drain the small lock whereas the large lock (pictured left) requires about 10 hours to pump dry. See previous entries on the Large Lock Pump Out and More Pump Out Pictures.

Without unforeseen findings, the small lock re-opened to boat traffic by March 23.

See the Official Hiram M. Chittenden Locks page for the most current updates and information about the locks and the ship canal.

Next on the "to-do" list usually is installation of the smolt flumes on the spillway dam around April 16th and fish ladder cleaning in June.

Christmas Ships through the Locks Tomorrow

Check out the annual trip of the Christmas ships through the Ballard Locks tomorrow, 12/15/2010 around 8:10 PM, swinging around to Golden Gardens just after 9pm.

MyBallard.com: Christmas Ships to Sail Around Ballard

Opening Day of Boating Season!

Wow! It’s hard to believe that Opening Day of boating season is just around the corner.

Traditionally, opening day is celebrated on the first Saturday in May. In 2010, that's this coming Saturday, May 1. However, you'll see boat traffic through the locks increase all week as boaters make their way to the lakes & ship canal.

Seattle has a rich maritime tradition; opening day is to boating what robins are to spring.

Now is the time to pull your boat out and get it ready for another exciting season on the water. If you visit the locks you’re sure to see hundreds of boats making the passage.

Many of these boats are on their way to cheer on their favorite team at the Windermere Cup races held in the Montlake Cut. If you’ve never experienced this special day you should make plans. It’s hard to imagine a better place to see a race up close where you can see the strain as each rower gives their all.

Below is a slideshow of some pictures of boats through the locks and ship canal.

Pump Out: The Small Lock's Turn

If you are meandering through the Chittenden Locks next week you'll see an amazing sight.

The small lock will be empty! No, they didn't forget to pay the water bill--it is time for the annual inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of the small lock!

Starting at low tide on March 8, the water remaining in the chamber will be pumped out so the lower walls and floor are accessible.

The pumps for this operation are located underneath the Administration Building. If you peek in the basement windows, you may be able to see some of the plumbing for the pumps.

It takes about 4 hours to drain the small lock whereas the large lock (pictured left) requires about 10 hours to pump dry. See previous entries on the Large Lock Pump Out and More Pump Out Pictures.

Barring unforeseen findings, the small lock is scheduled to re-open to boat traffic by March 20.

For current information about the Lake Washington Ship Canal, check out the information from the USACE Seattle District.

Next on the "to-do" list is installation of the smolt flumes on the spillway dam in April and fish ladder cleaning in June.

Christmas Ships through the Locks Tonight, December 15

Tonight the Christmas Ships will be locking through between 8:10 and 8:30, then proceeding on towards Golden Gardens.

The grounds are open until 9pm, so throw on your rain gear & come watch them go through!