The RAINIER conducted surveys at eight different project areas in the 2006 field season. The ship was at sea for 236 days last year.
OPR-N161-RA-06, Bellingham, WAThe purpose of this project is to provide contemporary hydrography with full-bottom multibeam coverage in the approaches to Bellingham and Anacortes, including channel anchorage areas that support deep-draft vessel traffic to the ports. Currently the charted bathymetry is from visual position, single beam surveys dating back to the 1950’s. The project addresses critical areas, inadequate chart data and responds to requests from the Puget Sound Pilots Association. Additionally, the Pilots have requested an investigation of the south end of Alden Bank to assess the suspected migration of bank into the adjacent traffic lane. |
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OPR-N395-RA-06, Colvos PassageThe purpose of this project is to provide contemporary hydrography with full-bottom multibeam coverage for Colvos Passage , WA and vicinity as per the request of the Puget Sound Pilots Association. Colvos Passage serves as an alternate route for medium-sized vessels departing Tacoma , and Quartermaster Harbor is occasionally used as an anchorage. Manchester fuel pier serves as a main fueling station for Navy, USCG, and NOAA vessels. Concern was expressed over approaches to this area along with shoaling along the north and south side of Blake Island , at the entrance to Yukon Harbor and at Allan Bank on the north end of Vashon Island. |
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OPR-O112-RA-06, SitkaThis project provides contemporary hydrography with full bottom multibeam coverage in Sitka Sound , Alaska . The project addresses inadequate chart data, reduces the Critical survey backlog, and responds to requests from the Seventeenth U.S. Coast Guard District and Southeast Alaska Pilots Association for contemporary hydrography in the approaches to Sitka, Alaska. |
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OPR-O180-RA-06, Keku StraitThis project provides contemporary hydrography with full bottom multibeam coverage in Keku Strait , Alaska . The project addresses inadequate chart data, reduces the critical areas backlog, and responds to requests from the Seventeenth U.S. Coast Guard District for contemporary hydrography. The Coast Guard Cutter ELDERBERRY recently reported that many of the shoals in Keku Strait extend farther out that charted. |
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OPR-O325-RA-06, Wrangell NarrowsThis survey will decrease the critical survey backlog and update Wrangell Narrows , with modern multibeam data. The majority of soundings for this area originate from 1978 single beam surveys. Wrangell Narrows is a major traffic route for Fishermen, South East Alaska Ferries, and some cruise vessels. Additionally a third order survey has been requested by the Seventeenth Coast Guard District to position Aids to Navigation in Wrangell Narrows that are currently charted incorrectly. |
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OPR-P183-RA-06, ShumaginsThe purpose of this project is to provide contemporary surveys to update National Ocean Service (NOS) nautical charts and reduce the Critical Areas backlog. Many charted features in the project area originate from observations made prior to 1913. Sparse hydrographic data is from 1913-1954 sonar surveys and lead-line hydrographic surveys. |
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OPR-S-O916-RA-06, Disenchantment BayHubbard Glacier has substantially advanced into Disenchantment Bay causing a natural dam to form in Russell Fjord. The advancing glacier is creating a threat to the Yakutat community south of Russell Fjord and the RAINIER has been requested to conduct a reconnaissance survey of the area just west of Hubbard Glacier in Disenchantment Bay. The goal of this project is to have the RAINIER collect data while transiting by the area without sacrificing significant amounts of time from other projects. Top of Page |
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OPR-S-P909-RA-06, SemidisThis project will update sparsely charted areas near Chirikof and Semidi Islands. The data collected during this project will be used to produce a new 1:135,000 scale chart to cover this region. The goal of this project is to have RAINIER collect data while transiting through the area without sacrificing significant amounts of time from other projects. Top of Page |
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