Summer Concerts Coming Soon

Once again the summer concerts at the locks are at hand. Check out the schedule on the calendar to the right under the Pages heading. It's a great way to enjoy the summer days. The rangers have a supply of chairs available or you can bring your own lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the music. There's a wide variety of musical styles so there should be something for everyone! The series opens up on May 31 with:

Sunday

May

31

2:00 p.m.

Boeing Employees Concert Band- lively marches to show tunes and classics

Lake Water Levels To Rise

The Army Corps of Engineers have announced the early raising of the Lake Washington water levels with the following message. The link below will lead to further information concerning the Corps' management of many of our waterways. Much more work than most of us are aware of and definitely a topic we will be learning much more about in the future.

"We are raising Lake Washington to the target summer elevation a couple weeks earlier than normal due to extremely low inflows to Lake Washington. The lake is currently at elevation 21.9 feet, which is typical for early May and consistent with normal annual operation. However, given the extreme low water supply situation, we intend to refill to an elevation of 22 feet in the next week or two instead of the June 1 date typically targeted. Vessel owners should closely monitor lake elevations and adjust mooring lines as necessary. Lake Washington’s status is available on the Reservoir Control Center website at http://bit.ly/NWS-RCC "

Also worth keeping in mind is the Corps' Facebook site which will have many interesting photos as well as important announcements concerning closures, maintenance schedules and public events.

https://www.facebook.com/ChittendenLocks

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.

Large Lock Closure

The Us Army Corps of Engineers has posted a notice for the temporary closing of the large lock. SEATTLE – The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks large chamber will close to vessel traffic from 7 a.m., Oct. 7 to 7 p.m., Oct.  9. Follow the link below for more information. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials are test drilling for an upgrade of the large lock’s emergency closure system. The Small Lock will continue operations. Oct 7 large lock closing info

August 2014 Garden Photos

Our student volunteer, Emily Dunn, has once again brought her camera on a walk through the gardens and has provided these photos for all to enjoy. There will be more weeks with which to enjoy these scenes up close and personal but until you make it to the locks ... enjoy these. Thanks again, Emily!

Summer at the Locks

As summer is drawing to a close, it's worth reminding ourselves that we still have plenty more time to enjoy an outing at the locks. The concert season is continuing with jazz and classical music scheduled for Aug. 16 and 17 respectively and there is also a classic pre 1950's car show on the grounds on the 16th. Here is a link to the full schedule: Summer concerts and events at the locks.  

Some recent concerts featured latin music, a sedentary(!) marching band and a ukulele orchestra with a grab bag of genres.

Musica Molida

Relaxed Ukes

Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band

Here are some photos taken by a new volunteer, Kendra, at the recent fuchsia show.




Kendra also contributed these photos from a stroll around the grounds. Enjoy these and come down for your own stroll and enjoy the summer weather.

Greater Seattle Fuchsia Society

Our friends at the Greater Seattle Fuchsia Society have sent the following invitation to their upcoming show at the locks. This group has been volunteering at the locks for decades and are responsible for the fuchsia display you will find outside the Admin. building as you approach the locks. Some of the plants you will see have been developed locally and are named after local members of the society. So come and enjoy a day of all things fuchsia!

Fuchsias on display

The Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden is proud to host the

47th Annual Greater Seattle Fuchsia Society judged show on

Saturday, July 26th, 2014 at the Hiram Chittenden Locks in Seattle,

3015 NW 54th Street.

The show is located in the nursery just as you enter the site from the main entrance off NW 54th street. Spend a relaxing day exploring the Locks and take time to stroll through a wide variety of fuchsias from bonsai and trees to hanging baskets and wall boxes. Talk to the experts, vote for your favorite fuchsia and check out the fuchsia display beds as you wander through our beautiful garden. 
 

The exhibit will be available for viewing from 9:00am - 5:00pm Saturday.