What are the water depths, draft clearances, and hazards around Coatsworth Cut and the navigation channel near Ashbridges Bay Boat Launch?

Detailed answer

Navigating Coatsworth Cut and the adjacent Ashbridges Bay navigation channel requires strict attention to seasonal water depth fluctuations and lateral hazards. During the spring, water levels typically offer a safe draft clearance of up to 8 feet. However, due to seasonal evaporation, reduced precipitation, and natural water level drops throughout the summer, depths frequently fall to under 6 feet by late August. This poses a significant risk for vessels with deeper drafts or larger sailboats with fixed keels. The Toronto Port Authority places red and green channel markers to delineate the safe navigation channel, but these buoys are not always precisely on the channel edge. Shallow hazards, including submerged rocks, silt deposits, and shifting sandbars, lie just outside the green and red buoys. Boaters must strictly navigate within the marked channel and avoid cutting corners, as depths outside the markers can rapidly drop to less than 2 feet. Always consult recent local notices to mariners and verify your vessel's draft before transiting the cut.