Packery Channel Boaters Urged to Use Caution Due to Increased Shoaling

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX -  The City of Corpus Christi advises boaters that increased shoaling has been measured at Packery Channel as part of the ongoing monitoring process conducted by the Conrad Blucher Institute (CBI) at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi. Those navigating the channel should use caution as increased sand (shoaling) has resulted in shallow conditions in some areas.  

Channels are dynamic natural systems in which sand is always migrating but extra caution should be observed when navigating the entire channel from the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) to the Gulf and in particular in the Deposition Basin (boat ramp area) to the end of the channel at the Gulf of Mexico (map attached).  According to CBI, increased shoaling is usually a seasonal situation during the summer but a mild winter resulted in less sand scour (removal) and a peak (elevated region) in shoaling occurred early in the season. Due to this deviation from normal trends, there is a high potential for continued shoaling over the summer months.

 A local notice to mariners has been initiated by the City of Corpus Christi with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). In addition to this formal request reviewed by the USGC, the City of Corpus Christi is urging the public to exercise caution with navigating the entire channel until the next survey is conducted and shoaling is reviewed. 

For more information, contact Assistant City Manager Keith Selman at (361) 826-3232 or at Keithse@cctexas.com or TAMUCC Coastal Research Scientist Deidre Williams at (361) 825-2714 or at deidre.williams@tamucc.edu.