Lock and Dam Navigation Stats

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, released its 2023 navigation statistics for the Upper Mississippi River last week.

During the 2023 season, Corps staff supported 1,218 commercial navigation lockages at Lock and Dam 2, near Hastings, which was below the 10-year average of 1,433 lockages. 

Statistics for Lock and Dam 3, near Welch, showed Corps staff supported 1,270 commercial navigation lockages which was below the 10-year average of 1,538 lockages.

Corps staff supported 1,576 commercial navigation lockages at Lock and Dam 4, near Alma, Wisconsin, which was below the 10-year average of 1,620 lockages. 

The 2023 lockages supported more than 6.4 million tons, or approximately 3,429 barges, of commodities shipped by the navigation industry.

The 2023 navigation season unofficially ended Nov. 23, after the Motor Vessel W. Red Harris departed St. Paul.

The 2023 navigation season started March 12 when the Motor Vessel Philip M. Pfeffer broke its way through the ice of Lake Pepin to travel to St. Paul.