This past winter was not kind, and one of the little “gifts” it has decided to leave behind are markers and buoys, moved by the ice, nowhere near where they are supposed to be. Josh Hill of Potomac Marine notified us of this marker at the mouth of the Occoquan River – Red #2, in the image at the top of this article. Notice how it’s bent over in the water. Wonder that that’s going to look like (or not at all) at high tide? Running over the top of this one could ruin your whole day.
Of course that’s not all: He also reports that the green “can” buoy that would normally live outside Mattawoman Creek, is now hanging out south of the power lines! Unfortunately these are not isolated cases. We are told there is a good number of these buoys and markers that have been moved by the ice, and maybe don’t represent where the actual channels are now.
People on the river now, as well as the coming spring are advised to keep a close eye on your GPS and depth sounder, as well as the water line so you don’t end up installing a zipper on the bottom of your hull! Let’s stay safe out there!