This typically troublesome AICW Problem Stretch intersection required dredging twice in 2011 and, despite the initial success of those projects, it seems these waters are beginning to shoal again.
As we stated in an earlier posting concerning this AICW Problem Stretch (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=99913), by reading between the tea leaves, it appears as if the AICW channel, as it passes behind Shallotte Inlet, is beginning to shoal on the ocean (southeastern) side. That is usually where shallowing begins at this intersection! Earlier postings on these troubled waters TEND TO CONFIRM THAT BEST DEPTHS CAN CURRENTLY BE HELD BY FAVORING THE RED (MAINLAND) SIDE OF THE CHANNEL!

NC – MYRTLE GROVE SOUND TO LITTLE RIVER –CAPE FEAR RIVER TO LITTLE RIVER (AICW) – SHOALING
Shoaling to a depth of 2.7 ft MLW has been reported in the vicinity of Cape Fear River-Little River Buoy 81 (LLNR 40340). Chart: 11534.

Pass thru there yesterday 12/19, on a mid-tide rising. Bumped hard near 80A. Dept sounder showed 4.5. My draft is 5.0. Don’t know if the buoy was on or off station. Looked like it was too close to the shore though.
Capt. Mike

We passed thru this area last week at high tide. When we arrived there was a sailboat aground on the right side of the marked channel. Two temporary greens were placed in what appeared to be about the old mid channel. we left these two marks just to port (about one foot away) and got thru. We draw about 5 1/2 feet. Our depth sounder showed six feet at the deepest at high tide. The sailboat turned around and headed north.
Clarence King

We went past Shallotte inlet December 27 at low tide. Slightly favoring the red side between R80 and R82 (heading south), we did not see less than 8 feet.
Michael & Jane Tigar
M/V Tara (new boat, formerly on S/V Lady Jane)

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Shalotte Inlet Intersection

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch