Coast Guard Sets Ice Conditions For Chesapeake Bay

MARYLAND — The U.S. Coast Guard is cautioning boaters of potential ice formation on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Area waters that tend to be impacted first by ice formations are the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, upper Chesapeake Bay and upper Potomac River.

The captain of the port for the Maryland-National Capital Region set ice condition three for waters in the region on Thursday, Jan. 31.

"Ice condition three is set when weather conditions are favorable for the formation of ice in navigable waters," according to a statement from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Boaters and marina operators are encouraged to report ice conditions to the Sector Maryland-NCR command center at 410-576-2693 or D05-SMB-SectorMD-NCR-SCC@uscg.mil.

To prepare for ice, the coast guard advises the following:

• Ensure vessel moorings are secure.
• Keep engines on standby at anchor and ensure proper bridge watches are stood at all times.
• Check vessel sea chests for ice buildup and take precautions to ensure they are clear.

The status for local waterways is online or can be found by calling the Sector Maryland-NCR ice line at 410-576-2682.

Ice-related restrictions are announced through Coast Guard broadcast notices five times daily —at 3 a.m., 7:05 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 4 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on marine band radio VHF-FM channel 22A.

Photo by Elizabeth Janney.