I haven't sailed up that away in 2 years. That being said, YES, one shallow stretch can bring everything to a halt.

The barges are being loaded lighter now and have been for some time. Approximately 2/3rd's of the midwest grains move by barge to Louisiana ports for shipping overseas.

The next rise will not occur until next Spring and then the June Rise, if there is sufficient snowfall this winter and rain this spring.

The load levels, based on the report last week, stated the Ohio River is now restricted to less than 9ft drafts.