How are the non-tidal Thames bridge heights calculated?

They were taken at what is considered normal summer levels. Unfortunately they are sadly out of date and need re-doing. About 15 years ago, maybe more, John Redmond the then boss of the Thames mentioned to me that it was something that needed doing. As far as I'm aware it hasn't been done since Tony (Boat1) was a lad and he was Eve's boyfriend before Adam.
 
oldgit said:
Just open the throttles................and duck.
Any clues on river levels ?
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Yes, high! Just 6cm from flooding at Chertsey at 6am this morning, a little better above and below (but not much.)
I'm going to phone Penton later to see if they have any further news.

EDIT: Yes, it's too high to move it at the moment, they'll update again on Friday. You at the club tonight Fred?
 
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byron said:
They were taken at what is considered normal summer levels. Unfortunately they are sadly out of date and need re-doing. About 15 years ago, maybe more, John Redmond the then boss of the Thames mentioned to me that it was something that needed doing. As far as I'm aware it hasn't been done since Tony (Boat1) was a lad and he was Eve's boyfriend before Adam.
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For many years levels were managed by the lockies to try and maintain them within +6" and -3" of a specified head water level (just above a lock).
So, if, say, Windsor/Eton Bridge has a stated clearance of 13'2" and the head level at Romney were +3" the clearance would therefore be 12'11".
I think I'm right in saying there is a depth indicator above and below all locks but you can also ask the lockie (if theres one on duty!). I'm sure Shades or TeddLock will correct me if I'm wrong.
As for me being Eve's boyfriend - true, but I dumped her when she tried to force me to eat apples :D :D
 
Thanks Tony, that's what I was really trying to work at, the figure the clearance is set at relative to the water level.
Seems that, at the moment, there's just too much of the wet stuff present to squeeze a boat between it and some of the bridges!
Fingers crossed for a few dry days, although that's not looking overly hopeful at the moment...
 
You at the club tonight
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Yes,will be going 10 rounds with the grandkids earlier in eve,but should be there later on.
Regards water levels (and flow speed)An opinion from Howard or somebody at Teddington Lock would be my preferred option on perhaps Friday night.
Provided no more serious rain upstream ,things may improve over next 3 days. ? Hopefully levels will drop and flow ease.
Looks like a F4-5 in Seareach on Sunday which is about the limit before it gets a bit tiring :)
If the wind is in the North staying in the lee of the Essex coast will be most comfortable..OG
Fingers crossed.
 
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Boatone is correct, well done Tony!

There are imperial water depth gauges located on piles near the head gates or the head bull noses. For bridges on the reaches away from locks do allow for the incline. I can't recommend the Potter Higham method unless you want a new array. Head water levels can be found also on a couple of websites.
 
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