How does the weather influence boat traffic on rivers?

Question

Are parameters like temperature, humidity, wind, rain and snowfall important for boats and ships (large and small ones) that travel on rivers? In which way are the ships or the crew affected, and to what extent is the weather important?

Answer 1

very important

Answer 2

Sounds like you are talking commercial.

My experience comes from the upper Mississippi, and it doesn't seem those boys stop for anything. The exceptions seem to be imminent lightning, especially on Lake Pepin, and tornado watches/warnings. I was on the river during a tornado warning, and everything shut down, and the VHF radio was buzzing with all boaters headed for cover and places to tie up.

Bottom line: they work in all kinds of inclement weather.

Answer 3

Weather can play a part in the way the cruise goes.  We run in all weathers, except high winds ( over 35 knots ).  We will try to cruise in an area that is protected from winds and run slower when we do go, more for the comfort on the guests on board.  I have done cruises in rain, snow and even freezing temps, having to break ice to get back to our dock. Our vessels have a captain and 2 deck hands, and the only person the bad weather truly effects is the extra stress on the captain.  The vessel itself will handle anything that we are willing to go in.

Answer 4

looking at your question from a recreational boaters view...

temp: as far as the boat is concerned as long as everything is serviced and in proper working condition...very little.

humidity: same as above

temp & humidity combined: only miserable for those on the boat!

wind: light winds can have calm or choppy waters while high can lead to rough water. the higher the wind (dependent upon direction) the larger the wave action. the larger the wave action the worse the ride or possibly put you in harms way. winds can also impact tidal flows by either decreasing or increasing the tide levels.

rain: no recreational boater really wants to see rain but if it's just rain w/o wind or lightening it's no problem. Add the other two elements into the picture and it's not any fun at all. Throw in hail and it's even worse!

snowfall: rain & snowfall are of extreme importance to all maritime river traffic. these two elements dictate the water level. to little of each and the level goes down thereby bringing the river bottom closer to the boats. too close and it could spell grounding or damage. too much and you increase current speed and water levels.

impact on crew: on our boat we have a saying that goes..."a bad day on the boat is still better than the best day at the office."  We boat in all kinds of weather and love our time on the water...regardless. Course we'd rather have it sunny and mid 80's w/ low humidity but we'll take what we get! : )

importance of weather: without it we either have the river to float our hobby and without it we're high and dry. with weather we either have calm waters or dangerous flows. weather is the controlling interest for anything and everything.