OCEAN POSSE - MORE WATER THAN NEED IN THE PANAMA CANAL

Overview The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has announced preventive water releases from both Gatún and Madden/Alhajuela dams due to lakes approaching maximum operational levels . This is a flood-control action, not routine water management. Discharges can cause rapid and dangerous rises in the Chagres River and downstream low-lying areas. Areas Impacted 1. Chagres River – Upper Basin (Alhajuela) Expect sudden increases in river levels and strong, fast-moving currents. Jungle areas, banks, and campsites can flood with little warning. 2. Chagres River – Lower Basin (Gatún Dam) Rapid downstream surges toward Gatún, Piña, Achiote, and Fuerte Sherman. Increased debris and turbulence. 3. Gamboa Region / Canal Crossings Although primary canal operations remain normal, the surrounding riverbanks and backwaters may be unstable. Immediate Captain Guidance All Ocean Posse vessels and crews ashore in Panamá should exercise heightened caution: Avoid all Chagres River activities (dinghy runs, kayaking, SUP, inland tours) until ACP declares levels stabilized. Stay clear of riverbanks, jungle trails near the waterline, and low-lying camps. If you hear ACP sirens, move immediately to higher ground. Expect turbid water, floating logs, and strong currents near any river outflow areas. If planning to transit the Canal, note that lock operations are unaffected, but watershed conditions remain dynamic. For Captains Already Inland If crew or guests are on excursions: Confirm their operators are aware of ACP releases. Request immediate route changes away from rivers or creeks feeding the Chagres basin. Maintain reliable VHF, cell, or satellite comms. Why This Matters Releases from Gatún and Alhajuela can raise water levels meters within minutes. These events are rare but serious and are only triggered when lakes reach near-capacity due to heavy rainfall. Recommended Monitoring ACP Water Dashboard: Real-time lake levels Local Civil Protection (SINAPROC) alerts Gamboa Bridge & Gatún area reports from local mariner groups Ocean Posse chat for on-the-water observations Status This advisory remains active until ACP announces the conclusion of preventive discharges. Expect intermittent releases over the coming days depending on rainfall.