What are the current water depth conditions and navigation hazards in Coatsworth Cut when entering from Ashbridges Bay?

Detailed answer

Navigating Coatsworth Cut at the entrance to Ashbridges Bay presents significant challenges due to dynamic sedimentation and seasonal water level fluctuations. The primary hazard is a persistent sandbar formation at the outer gap, directly adjacent to the Ashbridges Bay Yacht Club. During late summer and fall, when Lake Ontario water levels typically recede, the controlling depth over this bar can shoal to less than 6 feet (1.8 meters). Vessels with a draft exceeding 4.5 feet should exercise extreme caution or avoid transit during low-water cycles. The channel is marked by a set of leading range lights; to stay in the deepest water, mariners must align the front and rear range lights perfectly, keeping them vertically stacked. Deviation even 10 to 15 feet to the east or west of the centerline can result in grounding on the soft sand shelf. Prevailing southwest winds frequently drive sediment into the cut, meaning the deepest path can shift weekly. It is critical to reduce wake to idle speed, as propeller wash accelerates bank erosion and further destabilizes the channel markers. Always consult the latest Local Notice to Mariners before departure, as buoy positions are adjusted frequently to track the migrating thalweg.