I just spoke to the Champion's Auto Ferry office so this is the update:
The ice is flowing heavy on the North Channel of Harsens Island.
The plan is for the ferry to stay open until 8pm tonight (IF POSSIBLE) and then close for the night.....it all depends on the ice, so make your plans early and get to the place you want to spend the night...island or mainland.
Closing the ferry for the night allows the ice to set up and freeze together so the ferry can then make a path in the morning.
That is the plan for today.
Check back here for updates.
Showing posts with label Harsens Island Ferry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Harsens Island Ferry. Show all posts
Monday, February 21, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Ice Update
Good Evening,
With the help of the rain and warmer temperatures, the Mackinaw, Samuel Risley, Bristol Bay, and Neah Bay continued flushing the ice currently plugging up the St. Clair River. Though three vessels were successfully escorted through the river today, limited results were achieved in flushing the ice due to the southerly winds pushing the ice back up the channel. Additionally, as the ice flows down the river, it gets into tighter areas and can make the flushing more difficult in the long run. The latest reports indicating that the thickest brash ice is around Willow Point, reaching from one to five feet in places. We will continue to monitor water levels in the river and lake to avoid potential flooding situations due to this ice jam.
We will not be breaking into the North Channel tomorrow. However, temperatures are expected to drop in the coming days, which may significantly slow the flow of ice down the river and create a potential flooding situation. We will reassess the conditions tomorrow and make a determination as to whether to break the North Channel on Thursday.
We will continue to update you on changing conditions, and should the need arise we will give you advanced notice via this blog, 911 alerts, and press statements of our intentions. Again, we appreciate everyone’s patience during this busy operation.
With the help of the rain and warmer temperatures, the Mackinaw, Samuel Risley, Bristol Bay, and Neah Bay continued flushing the ice currently plugging up the St. Clair River. Though three vessels were successfully escorted through the river today, limited results were achieved in flushing the ice due to the southerly winds pushing the ice back up the channel. Additionally, as the ice flows down the river, it gets into tighter areas and can make the flushing more difficult in the long run. The latest reports indicating that the thickest brash ice is around Willow Point, reaching from one to five feet in places. We will continue to monitor water levels in the river and lake to avoid potential flooding situations due to this ice jam.
We will not be breaking into the North Channel tomorrow. However, temperatures are expected to drop in the coming days, which may significantly slow the flow of ice down the river and create a potential flooding situation. We will reassess the conditions tomorrow and make a determination as to whether to break the North Channel on Thursday.
We will continue to update you on changing conditions, and should the need arise we will give you advanced notice via this blog, 911 alerts, and press statements of our intentions. Again, we appreciate everyone’s patience during this busy operation.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Updated Ice Conditions and Situation for Today
Good Afternoon Everyone!
Well, the Mackinaw and Samuel Risley have escorted one vessel through the river this morning and worked the track throughout the day. This sunshine is helping to warm the ice and move it around a little making our job slightly easier this morning. The Bristol Bay and Neah Bay continue to conduct flushing of the Old South Channel and Seaway Cut and this has proved useful.
There will be one upbound vessel and four downbound vessels through the river tonight into tomorrow. Tomorrow, we are looking at about the same amount of traffic. After that, the Soo locks will close and traffic will significantly slow down.
What all this means to you is that once we get this heavy volume of traffic clear, we will be more focused on maintaining the flow of commerce for things like heating oil, coal, salt, etc...that are important for Great Lakes customers for both sides of the border and keeping a close eye on water levels. If there is a need to break into the North Channel and interrupt ferry service, we will give you advanced notice via this blog, 911 alerts, an update to the Clay Township website, and issue press statements.
We appreciate everyone's flexibility, patience, and understanding as we work another busy ice season. Thanks again to Melon and Sue for this forum to reach all of you!
Well, the Mackinaw and Samuel Risley have escorted one vessel through the river this morning and worked the track throughout the day. This sunshine is helping to warm the ice and move it around a little making our job slightly easier this morning. The Bristol Bay and Neah Bay continue to conduct flushing of the Old South Channel and Seaway Cut and this has proved useful.
There will be one upbound vessel and four downbound vessels through the river tonight into tomorrow. Tomorrow, we are looking at about the same amount of traffic. After that, the Soo locks will close and traffic will significantly slow down.
What all this means to you is that once we get this heavy volume of traffic clear, we will be more focused on maintaining the flow of commerce for things like heating oil, coal, salt, etc...that are important for Great Lakes customers for both sides of the border and keeping a close eye on water levels. If there is a need to break into the North Channel and interrupt ferry service, we will give you advanced notice via this blog, 911 alerts, an update to the Clay Township website, and issue press statements.
We appreciate everyone's flexibility, patience, and understanding as we work another busy ice season. Thanks again to Melon and Sue for this forum to reach all of you!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Harsens Island Ferry
After last nights ferry closing, things are back to normal with occasional delays.
I spoke to Champions Auto Ferry a bit ago, and this is the plan:
Regular scheduled service today.
Switch to every 1/2 hour sometime tonight.
Resume regular service early Thursday morning.
No exact times were given
I spoke to Champions Auto Ferry a bit ago, and this is the plan:
Regular scheduled service today.
Switch to every 1/2 hour sometime tonight.
Resume regular service early Thursday morning.
No exact times were given
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Time Off & Summer Gearing Up
After ice update time of year, I like to take a much needed break!
I've also had a string of injuries which have slowed me down...all is healing well and I'm able to get around much better now, thank you!
The kids are still having their ups and downs with the dysautonomia (rare disorder that screws up your life!)
The one year anniversary of my mother's death has recently passed...tough times for all the family.
I'm working on new T shirt designs and will be selling these online and at Weaver's market exclusively. Marlow Mackie, the fearless leader of H.I.M. has given me exclusive rights to produce and sell HIM T's, tanks, shorts and other gear, plus design some new looks for HIM gear...look for those soon at Weavers and on the T Shirt tab above. David Bryson, owner of Champion's Auto Ferry, has given me the OK to design and sell Harsen's Island Ferry T's & gear which will also be sold here and at Weaver's.
Busy, busy, busy!
I've also had a string of injuries which have slowed me down...all is healing well and I'm able to get around much better now, thank you!
The kids are still having their ups and downs with the dysautonomia (rare disorder that screws up your life!)
The one year anniversary of my mother's death has recently passed...tough times for all the family.
I'm working on new T shirt designs and will be selling these online and at Weaver's market exclusively. Marlow Mackie, the fearless leader of H.I.M. has given me exclusive rights to produce and sell HIM T's, tanks, shorts and other gear, plus design some new looks for HIM gear...look for those soon at Weavers and on the T Shirt tab above. David Bryson, owner of Champion's Auto Ferry, has given me the OK to design and sell Harsen's Island Ferry T's & gear which will also be sold here and at Weaver's.
Busy, busy, busy!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Ferry Remains Closed
The conditions have not changed so the ferry to Harsen's Island remains closed at this time.
The airboat is running now and will continue until 7pm.
The situation will be assessed as conditions change...remember Champion's wants to run...they don't make any money with the ferries sitting in the docks.
Lot's of rumors and predictions being spouted out there, but unless someone has a crystal ball.....
Please let us know by Email or comment if you have more information...we'll keep our ears open too and will post as events happen...thanks for your help!
Ferry Closed Today
Due to ice in the North Channel, Champion' Auto Ferry to Harsens Island is closed today.
Bob Bryson will be running the airboat from 4pm to 7pm later toady.
The Coast Guard is working the ice and conditions could change....we'll keep you posted.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Ferry Shutting Down in Next 30 - 45 Minutes
The Harsens Island Ferry will be shutting down within the next 30-45 minutes.
This will be for the rest of the day.
This will be for the rest of the day.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Ferry & Ice Conditions Update
So far, so good.
We saw a Coast Guard Cuter downriver from the ferry earlier today, working the ice.
Although conditions can change at any time, David Bryson, Owner of Champion's Auto Ferry to Harsen's Island, says he does not EXPECT problems due to the large amount of ice floes passing down the North Channel. He expects to be able to keep to a regular schedule tonight and tomorrow....time will tell, so check back here often for changes and updates.
Lake Huron ice no longer a concern
Port Huron Times Herald
Monday, March 15, 2010
Ice Watch in Effect for Harsen's Island
I just heard on the scanner that the Canadian Ice Office told Sarnia Coast Guard that there was a "significant" amount of ice coming into the river from Lake Huron. As I write this Sarnia is contacting the various ferry operators to alert them.
I DO NOT KNOW HOW MUCH ICE AND I DO NOT KNOW WHETHER IT WILL CAUSE OUR FERRY ANY TROUBLE. However, it is enough to have Sarnia Traffic Control sending out warnings to the downstream ferries.
Charles Miller
President
Harsens Island St. Clair Flats Association
cmiller79@comcast.net
I DO NOT KNOW HOW MUCH ICE AND I DO NOT KNOW WHETHER IT WILL CAUSE OUR FERRY ANY TROUBLE. However, it is enough to have Sarnia Traffic Control sending out warnings to the downstream ferries.
Charles Miller
President
Harsens Island St. Clair Flats Association
cmiller79@comcast.net
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Harsen's Island in the News
Coast Guard, ferry service clash after five ferry shutdowns
The Voice News
By Jeri Packer, Voice Staff Writer
Published: Thursday, March 4, 2010
Friction between the U.S. Coast Guard and Clay Township was more abrasive than ever this year, as the Harsen's Island ferry experienced one interruption in service after another as ice cutters busted through the North Channel.
The first ice jam of the season occurred early, on Jan. 8, said Champions Auto Ferry owner Bob Bryson.
"There's been ice in river ever since," he said. "We've been shut down five different times by the coast guard, sometimes for one day, other times two to three days."
According to the Coast Guard, unless Mother Nature throws another curve ball, it looks like water levels are settling along the nine-mile stretch of the St. Clair River Coast Guard cutters must keep clear. Water levels north of Clay Township were rising, causing some flooding and to the south, levels were dropping by at least two feet. The Coast Guard cutters also assisted many freighters across the waterway after getting stalled in frozen waters.
The Voice News
By Jeri Packer, Voice Staff Writer
Published: Thursday, March 4, 2010
The first ice jam of the season occurred early, on Jan. 8, said Champions Auto Ferry owner Bob Bryson.
"There's been ice in river ever since," he said. "We've been shut down five different times by the coast guard, sometimes for one day, other times two to three days."
According to the Coast Guard, unless Mother Nature throws another curve ball, it looks like water levels are settling along the nine-mile stretch of the St. Clair River Coast Guard cutters must keep clear. Water levels north of Clay Township were rising, causing some flooding and to the south, levels were dropping by at least two feet. The Coast Guard cutters also assisted many freighters across the waterway after getting stalled in frozen waters.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Ferry Running - All is Clear
My husband, Steve, took a ride all around the Island....
North Channel - Clear
South Channel - Clear, with scatter ice floes
The small black USCG Cutter went down the North Channel around 9:30 this morning. Hopefully it is working the ice downriver.
The Island roads are much better than last evening when we had extremely icy roads! The salt trucks came over last night.
North Channel - Clear
South Channel - Clear, with scatter ice floes
The small black USCG Cutter went down the North Channel around 9:30 this morning. Hopefully it is working the ice downriver.
The Island roads are much better than last evening when we had extremely icy roads! The salt trucks came over last night.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Ferry & Ice Conditions Update
Noon Report on Champion's announcement machine:
Look for the ferry to Harsens Island to open around 2pm.
The Coast Guard has come and has the ice moving in the North Channel. We expect to be back in operation sometime around 2pm.
There should be no problems after that.
Look for the ferry to Harsens Island to open around 2pm.
The Coast Guard has come and has the ice moving in the North Channel. We expect to be back in operation sometime around 2pm.
There should be no problems after that.
Ferry Remains Closed
Many of you have already figured out that I am an insomniac!
It is 3:30am and the ferry is still closed at this time.
I am going to turn off comment moderation tonight so that if there is news about the ferry before I arise you can comment this post.
Sue is often a much earlier riser than I am and will probably post the news if she hears of it ....thank God for Sue!
It is 3:30am and the ferry is still closed at this time.
I am going to turn off comment moderation tonight so that if there is news about the ferry before I arise you can comment this post.
Sue is often a much earlier riser than I am and will probably post the news if she hears of it ....thank God for Sue!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Ferry is Shut Down
The ferry to Harsen's Island is shut down due to unexpected ice coming down the North Channel because of a wind change.
The ferry will not run the rest of tonight, and David Bryson says he will have to see what the situation is in the morning, but they probably won't run before 6am.
Update 8:20pm: You may hear that the ferry will try to run in 2 hours....NO....that was before David was able to get to the ferry and assess the situation..the ice is extremely heavy and is packing in tight.
The ferry will not run the rest of tonight, and David Bryson says he will have to see what the situation is in the morning, but they probably won't run before 6am.
Update 8:20pm: You may hear that the ferry will try to run in 2 hours....NO....that was before David was able to get to the ferry and assess the situation..the ice is extremely heavy and is packing in tight.
Ferry & Ice Conditions Update
There is a river full of ice in the North Channel right now that is causing delays at Champion's Auto Ferry to Harsen's Island.
The Coast Guard says there is at least a mile of ice coming our way due to the ice damn in Algonac letting loose.
We'll keep you posted....expect delays.
The Coast Guard says there is at least a mile of ice coming our way due to the ice damn in Algonac letting loose.
We'll keep you posted....expect delays.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Some More Pics of The Cutters & Ferry
Many thanks to Leah Yax...great photos! Sorry it took so long to get these up here!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Ferry & Ice Conditions Update
From Gail's scanner...thanks Gail!
The Canadian Coast Guard Cutter, Risley, talking to Champion's Auto Ferry:
There is very little ice coming down now, there should be no problems with ice unless the wind changes...
The Canadian Coast Guard Cutter, Risley, talking to Champion's Auto Ferry:
There is very little ice coming down now, there should be no problems with ice unless the wind changes...
Ferry & Ice Conditions Update
The Harsen's Island ferry is running. Lots of ice on the way, but the Coast Guard says it should thin out over the next few hours.
David Bryson says they do not ANTICIPATE a shut down today, but to expect delays due to ice.
David Bryson says they do not ANTICIPATE a shut down today, but to expect delays due to ice.
Monday, February 22, 2010
The REAL Harsen's Island Ferry Report
I know many newspapers are reporting conflicting information about the ferry schedule, airboat schedule etc.
But....they are not here on the Island and are not talking to the persons who make these decisions....we are!
David WAS told by the Coast Guard that they would not be by the ferry until 9pm or so tonight HOWEVER things changed during the night...ice moved creating an ice dam that the Coast Guard decided they had to break this morning...it was out of the control of the ferry owner, David Bryson. The Coast Guard made that decision to change the time back to 10am at the last minute.
Per David Bryson the ferry will not run again today, they made a trip to get the school children back to the island, and the bus is now waiting at the ferry to get back across. As soon as there is a opening, that will occur.
There will be NO ferry service tonight and PROBABLY NOT tomorrow morning, but they (at the ferry) will have to re-check that when they see the ice conditions in the morning. NOTHING IS SET IN STONE RIGHT NOW.
BOB WILL RUN THE AIRBOAT UNTIL 6PM TONIGHT ONLY....THE ICE IS TOO THICK TO NAVIGATE AT NIGHT...per Daryl Dupage.
The Harsen's Island/Clay township airboat is available for emergency transportation by calling either 911 for major emergency or calling the Clay Township Police at 810-794-9381 for minor emergencies.
But....they are not here on the Island and are not talking to the persons who make these decisions....we are!
David WAS told by the Coast Guard that they would not be by the ferry until 9pm or so tonight HOWEVER things changed during the night...ice moved creating an ice dam that the Coast Guard decided they had to break this morning...it was out of the control of the ferry owner, David Bryson. The Coast Guard made that decision to change the time back to 10am at the last minute.
Per David Bryson the ferry will not run again today, they made a trip to get the school children back to the island, and the bus is now waiting at the ferry to get back across. As soon as there is a opening, that will occur.
There will be NO ferry service tonight and PROBABLY NOT tomorrow morning, but they (at the ferry) will have to re-check that when they see the ice conditions in the morning. NOTHING IS SET IN STONE RIGHT NOW.
BOB WILL RUN THE AIRBOAT UNTIL 6PM TONIGHT ONLY....THE ICE IS TOO THICK TO NAVIGATE AT NIGHT...per Daryl Dupage.
The Harsen's Island/Clay township airboat is available for emergency transportation by calling either 911 for major emergency or calling the Clay Township Police at 810-794-9381 for minor emergencies.
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