Higher Mornings. Lower Evenings.

Higher water should move from the predawn hours into the morning, approximately 3:20–10:40 a.m. Lower water should generally arrive between approximately 4:25 and 7:50 p.m.

Higher readings may reach approximately 1.0 to 1.2 feet above the customary low-water reference. Some lower readings may fall approximately 0.2 to 0.4 feet below it.

A Gentle Shift Toward Fall

Higher water should occur from shortly after midnight through the morning, moving from approximately 12:40 a.m. toward 8:55 a.m. Lower water should move from approximately 2:35 p.m. toward 6:35 p.m.

Higher readings may reach approximately 1.0 to 1.1 feet, while some lower readings may fall approximately 0.2 to 0.3 feet below the customary reference.

A Revealing Month for Inspections

I expect much of the higher water to occur overnight or during the early morning. Lower water should generally arrive around midday or during the afternoon.

Higher readings may reach approximately 1.0 to 1.2 feet, while some lower readings may fall approximately 0.2 to 0.3 feet below the customary reference.

Morning Lows. Evening Highs.

Lower water should occur during the morning, moving from approximately 5:30 toward 10:05 a.m. Higher water should occur during the evening, moving from approximately 7:50 toward 10:45 p.m.

Higher readings may reach approximately 1.2 to 1.4 feet. Some lower readings may fall approximately 0.3 to 0.4 feet below the customary reference—a potential difference of approximately 1.8 feet.

Some of the Most Revealing Conditions of the Season

Lower water should occur during the morning, moving from approximately 5:40 toward 8:50 a.m. Higher water should return during the evening, generally between approximately 7:50 and 10:00 p.m.

Higher readings may reach approximately 1.3 to 1.4 feet. Some lower readings may fall approximately 0.4 to 0.5 feet below the customary reference—a potential difference approaching 1.9 feet.

During Higher Water

Higher water can be advantageous when a boat needs additional depth beneath the hull.

• Move a deeper-draft vessel from a naturally shallow dock.
• Navigate a familiar canal entrance.
• Load passengers and supplies.
• Launch or retrieve where ramp depth is marginal.
• Evaluate the highest waterline against a bulkhead.
• Observe how wakes affect the dock and shoreline.

During Lower Water

Lower water can be one of the most useful tools for understanding a waterfront property.

• Inspect dock pilings, bulkheads and seawalls.
• Look for erosion or displaced riprap.
• Identify sediment around the lift.
• Measure practical water depth.
• Observe shallow turns and canal entrances.
• Photograph shoaling for future comparison.

At Higher Water

• Passing beneath a bridge without knowing the boat’s air draft.
• Cutting across an area known to contain a sandbar.
• Running close to an island shoreline.
• Assuming water over a shoal is deep enough.
• Following another boat outside a marked or familiar route.
• Entering an unfamiliar canal at speed.

At Lower Water

• Unfamiliar shortcuts between islands.
• Running outside a marked channel.
• Cutting tightly across the inside of a canal turn.
• Approaching a sandbar on plane.
• Anchoring where the boat could become stranded.
• Assuming a previous GPS track remains safe after storms.

Canal Entrances

Sediment may accumulate where a smaller canal meets a larger body of water. The center may remain navigable while the shoulders become shallow.

Inside Bends and Intersections

Water movement can deposit sediment along the inside of a turn. A wider approach and slower speed provide more time to monitor depth.

Island Edges and Sandbars

Sandy shelves can extend much farther than the visible beach. Higher water may conceal the outer edge; lower water may leave a boat stranded.

Areas Outside Marked Routes

Near Perdido Pass, I would remain within the marked navigational route, avoid cutting close to the jetties and allow extra room around shoaling.

Old River and Bayou St. John

A beautiful shoreline does not necessarily mean deep water continues to the beach. Sandy shelves and shallow flats may extend outward.

Ono Island Canal Turns

Some canal segments may have more usable depth along the centerline than near the edges. I avoid hugging the shoreline or cutting tightly across a corner.

• Approach slowly with the motor trimmed appropriately.
• Watch the depth sounder rather than following another boat blindly.
• Consider how far the water may fall while you are anchored.
• Anchor in sufficient water instead of driving onto the sand.
• Watch wind direction and current.

• Make certain the anchor is holding.
• Keep an eye on changing weather.
• Use extra caution around swimmers.
• Never assume yesterday’s route is still the best route today.
• Leave before falling water creates a difficult departure.

The Boat

• What is the make and model?
• What are its draft and air draft?
• What does it weigh when fueled and loaded?
• Can the antennas or outriggers be lowered?
• Will the existing lift accommodate the hull?

The Waterfront

• Is protected canal water the right fit?
• Would Old River or Bayou St. John work better?
• Is Intracoastal Waterway access important?
• Are there fixed bridges along the route?
• Is there sufficient turning room?