Status of Okeechobee Waterway?

[Entlie]

Is the Okeechobee Waterway open for a transit from Stuart, FL to the Gulf? Heard it was closed because of drought causing shallow depths, but not sure what the status is now.

Entlie
Sailing Catamaran Sunspot Baby

[GordMay]

The Okeechobee appears to be open, but under Lock Timetable Restrictions.
Goto:
Lake Okeechobee and The Okeechobee Waterway
South Florida Operations Office, US Army Corps of Engineers
Specifically:
Notice to Navigational Interests:
Notice to Navigational Interests

[Entlie]

Gord, Thanks for the links. Checking those, and actually speaking with the St. Lucie Lock operator (772.287.2665), here's a recap:

The OWW is open. Recent rains have brought the water level up some, but it's still pretty skinny. Route #1 depth is 2.94 ft. Route #2 depth is about 8 inches.

The two locks are only open once each day.

Too skinny for a 4 ft. draft boat.

Entlie
Sailing Catamaran Sunspot Baby

[spanky44]

Was just at indiantown marina thus week.
Plenty of water 14.5' level and rim route,
previously closed will open 2nd week of sept

fair winds