Blackbeard wrote:
On 11 Dec 2004, (JAXAshby) wrote:

note the shoaling that shows up even from space. the inlet is at the bottom,
the canal at the top

http://www.terraserver.com/imagery/i...6784661&cpy=40.
86638711&usgs_res=14&provider_id=200&t=pan


here is one in color. note the shoaling, and the path needed to be taken inlet
to canal

http://www.terraserver.com/imagery/i...12&uly=4530610
.896&zone=18&res=15&provider_id=504&t=pan

another showing some of the shoaling obvious from space. zoom out if you wish.

http://www.terraserver.com/imagery/i...9852&cpy=40.86
489851&res=8&provider_id=320&t=pan


You're right, the shoaling shows up really clear. Looks like soon, if not
already, one will have to follow the channel to get out. Though I am a
power boater, I would guess a sailboat might be close to hitting bottom on
the shoal. Just curious, have you read anything to explain what is causing
the shoal to build up like that?

This is a well studied inlet - I'm sure you could find lots of stuff
about it. It didn't exist prior to the Hurricane of '38. There were a
number of attempts to create it prior to that, but it always wanted to
fill back in. One reason for the tide gates in the canal is maximize
the southern current out the inlet and minimize the northbound current.
(Although the gate were built before the Inlet opened, the issue was
revisited around 1950 when the gates and locks were overhauled.)

Here's a study by the Army Corps of Engineers. In spite of jaxie's
claim that the Corps says the gates are left open both ways, that's not
what they say he
http://cirp.wes.army.mil/cirp/studies.html

Here's the official NY State description of the Inlet and Canal (and locks):
http://www.nyswaterfronts.com/Final_...ap4/PART2D.pdf