Seal Rescue

During the emptying of the large lock, a seal remained in the chamber. Before the work could start on the maintenance of the lock, the seal would have to be caught and released in the sound. Here are a few pics of the process which had a happy conclusion even if the process was somewhat stressful for all involved. Thanks to the Corps employees for posting the pics on their blog site.

Army Corps of Engineers Chittenden Locks Facebook Page

Harbor seal netted

Ready to start the removal.

The seal gets a ride.

Th

The seal gets a birds eye view.

The large lock minus boats water and seal.

Large Lock Annual Maintenance Closing

 From the Corps of Engineers Ballard Locks facebook page:

UPDATE NOV 6: The Large Lock will close for annual maintenance Nov. 13-30. (5 days later than previously released) We originally planned to close November 8^th, but are delaying some gate maintenance until next year. (So please anticipate a 3 week closure in 2015) Please check back for updates or follow us on facebook  www.facebook.com/chittendenlocks  or twitter http://twitter.com/Chittenden Locks.

 

The small lock will still be open for boat traffic and it is also an opportunity to see what the lock looks like under the water.

View of large lock during prior maintenance closure.

Notice to Chittenden Locks marine traffic

We received the following notice concerning the annual closure of the small lock for it's maintenance and inspection procedures. Plan accordingly boaters. And for visitors and tourists, it is still a great time to visit and get a look at what it looks like below the water's surface.

View of a previous pumpout.

A prior pumpout.

Link to Corps new release website:

http://www.nws.usace.army.mil/Media/NewsReleases/tabid/2408/Article/22756/chittenden-locks-small-chamber-closing-14-days-for-annual-maintenance.aspx


Chittenden Locks small chamber closing 14 days for annual maintenance

SEATTLE - The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks small chamber will close to marine traffic from noon Friday, April 4, through 7 p.m. Friday, April 18
.
Crews will conduct maintenance and safety inspections during the small chamber pump out and closure. Foot traffic will not be affected and the large lock will continue around-the-clock operations for vessels. Lock wall staff will get commercial traffic through as quickly as possible.

All pleasure craft will use the large lock, and boaters should be prepared with appropriate equipment and crew. Large lock requirements include long lines and fenders on board. Current locking through information is available at http://bit.ly/BoaterInfo. Mariners may experience delays, depending on passage demand.

Most machinery and equipment, including the gates and valves, are original to the 97-year-old facility. The annual closure gives dam safety experts and maintenance staff an opportunity to dry out the chambers for thorough inspections and to make necessary repairs. This routine maintenance is necessary and important in keeping the Chittenden Locks safe and operational as the locks approach their 100-year anniversary.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers owns and operates the Chittenden Locks. The busiest in the nation, nearly 50,000 vessels lock through each year.

For current information about activities at the Locks, visit the Locks' Web site at http://bit.ly/BallardLocks or follow the Locks on Facebook and Twitter: www.facebook.com/chittendenlocks and http://twitter.com/ChittendenLocks.



Steven W. Cosgrove
Public Affairs Office
Seattle District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

2013 Large Lock Inspection

The large will be closed to boat traffic from Nov. 5, 2013 until Nov. 20, 2013 so that the lock can be inspected and maintenance performed as necessary. The small lock is still operating for smaller vessels. Even though you won't be able to watch the large vessels locking through, It is still worth a trip to see and appreciate the enormity of this site.

The large lock almost emptied.

Here is a link to a previous post describing the process and with pictures taken during the closing

2012 post of large lock inspection

Info: Locks Closure Tuesday June 7th 2011

Both locks will be closed from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM on Tuesday, June 7th for inspection of ASES (the Adult Salmon Exclusion Structure).

Reprinted with permission for information purposes:

Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
5 1/2 Hour Lock Closure, June 7th 2011

On Tuesday, June 7th 2011, both the large lock and small lock will be closed from 0730-1300, for an inspection of the Adult Salmon Exclusion Structure. The structure is in place near the middle pier between the east entrances to both locks. There will be divers in the water during this time period, preventing lock operations. The only exception will be for emergency vessels (Seattle Fire Dept., Seattle Police, and Coast Guard) on an emergency call. Any questions should be referred to David Carpenter, Navigation Supervisor 206-789-2622 ext.202, or the Lockmaster on duty, 206-783- 7000