Mike and Martha: My advice to cruisers is to wait until about May 1 or perhaps even a little later to begin their northbound trip on the Tombigbee. By then, water flow is generally at or near seasonal levels. That also applies to the Tennessee and Cumberland. Just remember that there can be exceptions. Last year, for example, several rivers in the region were at flood levels in May. But you would be correct in assuming that high water would be more of a problem for you on the Tombigbee. That's because the dams are the "flow through" type that serve only as water control devices to allow for navigation rather than for flood control as is the case on the Tennessee and Cumberland where the dams are designed to serve both purposes. You can access the Corps of Engineers website to determine water levels. But interpreting the information can be somewhat confusing. A more practical way is to wait until just before you start north from Mobile and call Fred Hansard, manager, or Trenella at the fuel dock at the Demopolis Yacht Basin, phone 334-289-4374 and ask them about water conditions. Within reasonable limits, they are happy to share that information. That's a strategic point because Demopolis is just below where the Black Warrior empties into the Tombigbee. And it's the Black Warrior whose watershed includes Birmingham that's generally responsible for much of the high water. You can also call individual dams and get the same information because that's where all the waterflow information originates anyway. Remember, too, that if you arrive in Mobile and the water has unexpectedly become a little too high for you on the Tombigbee, you can always stay for a few days at one of the marinas there until it goes down. The Mobile area is a great place to spend a little time. Contact me privately if I can help you further. Fred Myers CruiseGuide Author & Publisher www.rivercruiseguides.com