Low water levels restrict Dismal Swamp Canal operations

Posted September 9, 2010
By Norfolk District Public Affairs

09/09/2010 - CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Beginning Sept. 15 and until further notice, the locks at Deep Creek, Va., and South Mills, N.C., will operate only at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., seven days a week. The drawbridges adjacent to these locations, which are part of the Dismal Swamp Canal, or DSC, will be operated in coordination with the locks.

The lock operating hours are being reduced from four per day to two per day due to limited rainfall and subsequent low water levels in Lake Drummond and the Dismal Swamp. Currently, the DSC controlling depth is six feet.

This action is being taken in coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conserve the available water supply in the Great Dismal Swamp Wildlife Refuge. The restriction is expected to be temporary until sufficient rain falls in the Lake Drummond watershed to replenish the swamp.

Vessels unable to comply with the reduced schedule can transit the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal, through the Great Bridge Lock in Chesapeake. This canal is open 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

Lock operators will monitor Channel 13.