Height clearance on the Champlain Canal has been a hotly discussed subject for many years. It does not appear that it will go away soon. Frankly, a lot of the problem is the way canal staff has handled the issue. On their web page they state that the controlling clearance is 17'. On a link to that same web page the bridge list shows the RR bridge in question (C5) as having 21.48' clearance. This same bridge lists states "Notify Lock C3 if clearance exceeding 15 feet is required." However, the lock master at C3 specifically stated that it is not necessary for boaters to routinely contact him and he would prefer it if boaters did not. (does not want to be answering the phone when he is supposed to operating the lock) A recent E-mail from the Public Affairs office of the New York Thruway ( under which the canal operates) stated that the lock operators at lock 3 have the ability to "provide 17' 3" or 19' clearance upon request". Which, is correct. However, anything above 17' is immaterial since other bridges at 17' on the Champlain Canal cannot be adjusted. After much discussion, I have developed the following note which will be in the future editions of all my publications and hopefully will eliminate much of this discussion: NOTE - Champlain Canal Clearance The height clearance of the Champlain Canal is 17'. One railroad bridge, C5, between locks 3 and 4 is maintained at 15' 6" at most times. The pool level above lock 3 is lowered to accommodate vessels up to 17' when height detectors at locks above or below lock 3 detect a vessel over 15' 6". As a general rule, no action is required of the operators with vessels between 15' 6" and 17' when transiting the pool above lock 3. Under abnormal river conditions (high rain fall upstream) vessels may be held at lock 3 or 4 while the pool level is adjusted. As an added safety precaution bridge height gages have been installed on both sides of bridge C5 to show the boater the air clearance at the time they approach bridge C5. Vessel operators are cautioned that if the C5 Bridge height gages do not show sufficient clearance for their vessel to hold their position and contact the lock master at lock 3 and advise him of the situation. Bob Skipper Bob Publications Http://SkipperBob.home.att.net

> As an added safety precaution bridge height gages have been installed on > both sides of bridge C5 to show the boater the air clearance at the time > they approach bridge.. It would sure be nice if they would put them on all bridges on all the canals. I'd think that it would be easy to do and gages would simplify reporting and discussing experiences with bridges. We travelled from the Hudson to Lake Erie by the canals this spring and found that the bridges that we were told would be the lowest weren't. Some that were not supposed to be a concern brushed the top of our man overboard pole, while some that we expected to be close did not touch at all. allen