Chatham Strait

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Chatham Strait

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NOAA Coast Pilot figure — Open original at NOAA

This chapter describes Chatham Strait and its tributaries. Also described are the settlements of Baranof, Angoon, Tenakee Springs and Port Alexander, including the various logging camps in the bays, inlets and coves along the strait.

is the most extensive of the inland passages of southeastern Alaska. It is about 18 miles wide at its entrance between Cape Ommaney and Coronation Island and about 13.5 miles between the cape and the west shore of Kuiu Island, with a length of 138 miles from Coronation Island north to Rocky Island. The main strait is clear, open and deep throughout, but some of the bays and bights are foul. In the winter, ice forms in many of the bays and inlets, particularly those into which large freshwater streams empty and which have narrow entrances. The west shore as far as Point Augusta is high, bluff and rugged and free from hidden dangers in the way of navigation from point to point, except in the vicinity of the east entrance to Peril Strait. The water is shoaler on the east side, and the reefs extend out farther, but in most cases they are in the bights and bays, and in no case do they extend beyond a line drawn 0.5 mile off from point to point, except a ledge about 1 mile offshore at Point Crowley.

Soundings are not a sufficient guide in these waters in thick weather; 20 and 30 fathoms are frequently found within a few yards of the shore, while 0.2 mile from the shore, 100 to 200 fathoms are not at all unusual. An almost universal feature is the occurrence of flats, with one or more small streams, at the head of all bights and inlets. The slope, from 8 to 10 fathoms to a few feet, is abrupt, and in approaching the head of an inlet at high water, exercise care in anchoring to give the flats a sufficient berth to avoid grounding at low water.

 Currents

The flood current enters Chatham Strait at the south entrance between Cape Ommaney and Cape Decision and sets north entering Frederick Sound, Peril Strait, and other bodies of water. The flood from the north enters the strait from Icy Strait. The two meet in the vicinity of Point Hayes and South Passage Point. On the ebb, the directions are reversed. The average velocity of the current is between 1.0 and 2.0 knots with an estimated maximum velocity of 3.5 knots. Strong tide rips are found around the various points, sometimes extending 1 mile or more into the strait when the current is strong. These are dangerous for small, open boats, especially at points surrounded by broken ground. Sometimes they will be encountered well offshore without apparent cause.

Along the east shore from Cape Decision to Point Crowley, a strong northwest set has been noted during the flood. During the ebb the current in the opposite direction is weak, and very often there is a northwest eddy. The current seems to travel along the shore in definite streams. The outer limit of the current stream is marked by drifting material, and the difference in current on either side can be noted. It appears that the flood current travels from the sea toward and up the east shore of the strait and that the ebb is strongest on the west side.

(See the Tidal Current Tables for daily predictions of places in Chatham Strait.)

 Weather

The wind generally draws through Chatham Strait parallel to its axis, but, if from northeast, will come down Frederick Sound and be felt in heavy squalls through the divides in the mountains on the east side. It sometimes draws through Tenakee Inlet and Peril Strait if blowing strong northwest outside. Most of the west shore is so high and bluff that the strong southwest winds cannot blow down into the strait but draw around Cape Ommaney and north through the strait, usually bringing fog and rain as far as Point Gardner.

 Hazy Islands to Cape Ommaney

In the approach to Chatham Strait from seaward, Hazy Islands are distinctive from their position and form a good landmark when they can be seen. They are also sometimes useful for fixing the position when it is thick inshore. The passage between them and Coronation Island is clear. Cape Ommaney is high and an important landmark. The summit back of the cape appears as a rounded knob with gentle sloping shoulders that drop steeply to the water’s edge. In the approach from the west in thick stormy weather, there is a possibility of mistaking the high land northwest of Larch Bay for that edge of the cape.

From Sumner Strait, vessels enter Chatham Strait between Cape Decision and the Spanish Islands. At times the south part of Sumner Strait has had very dense fog that extended about 1 mile to the west of Cape Decision, beyond which it was clear. Approaching from the south, make Coronation Island and pass between it and Hazy Islands. In thick weather, should Coronation Island not be sighted, a sharp lookout should be kept for Hazy Islands. Whistle echoes along the Coronation Island coast on either side of Windy Bay have usually been sharp and distinct. The current sets northwest along the coast, with an estimated velocity of 1 knot, depending on the wind, and, should Coronation Island not be sighted, a vessel may be set toward Cape Ommaney. There are several dangers off the north side of Coronation Island. Once in Chatham Strait the navigation is easy, for it is wide and comparatively clear, with fair anchorages at short distances.

The high rugged coastlines of Cape Ommaney and Coronation Island and the peaks of the Hazy Islands reportedly make good radar targets when approaching Chatham Strait from the west and south.

form two distinctive groups about 8 miles west of Coronation Island and are separated by a channel 1.2 miles wide with depths of 25 to 40 fathoms. The northwest group consists of three prominent islets; the largest is , 258 feet high and conical. The second largest of this group, about 0.3 mile northwest, has three sharp, well-defined summits. The smallest of the group consists of two jagged rocks that are connected at low water but appear as one islet with two summits.

The southeast group is low. The north islet of this group has two grassy knobs and a very sharp pillar-shaped knob. Off the southeast side of this islet are two rocks, close-to. The south islet of this group is a very low rocky reef with a breaker about 300 yards off the south end of the islet.

Hazy Islands are a National Wildlife Refuge under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

In thick weather, the north group of islets can usually be seen in time to avoid trouble, but the south group is dangerous. Although the fathometer gives evidence of shoaling, it is very slight until within less than 0.5 mile of the islets.

 Currents

Currents are irregular. The coastal currents near the islands appear to set northwest with a velocity of about 1 knot, but in the vicinity of the islets the currents seem to be modified by the branch from Chatham Strait. Currents with a north set and a velocity of about 1 knot were found 5 miles north of the Hazy Islands.

, the west point at the entrance to Chatham Strait, is a remarkable promontory terminating in Ommaney Peak, a bluff, rugged, rocky 2,005-foot-high mountain, detached from the higher land north by a low depression running through from Port Conclusion. , sparsely wooded, is close southeast of Cape Ommaney.

Cape Ommaney Light (), 195 feet above the water, is shown from a post with a red and white diamond-shaped dayboard on Wooden Island. This light, together with Helm Point Light, Point Crowley Light and Cape Decision Light, marks the approach to Chatham Strait.

 Windy Bay to Shrub Islet

From Helm Point to Windy Bay the shoreline of Coronation Island is rugged and rocky, with steep brown and yellow cliffs. In the bight west of Helm Point is a rock awash. Between Helm Point and Windy Bay are off-lying rocky islets; the outermost is 40 feet high and 1.3 miles west from Helm Point and about 0.5 mile offshore. It is of grayish color, without vegetation, with deep water close-to, and is generally visible in moderately thick weather. A reef with rocks awash at half tide is 1 mile southwest of Helm Point.

, on the west side of the island, is well protected from the sea by rocks and reefs that extend from the north shore of the entrance to within 0.3 mile of the south shore. A line of breakers usually shows on the reefs.

The shoreline of the bay is generally rocky. The head of the bay has a sand beach about 350 yards long, and a deposit of sand is near the mouth of the stream on the south side of the bay.

The depression in which the bay lies is readily distinguished from offshore, although the surrounding peaks are high. From offshore, Windy Peak is a good landmark. The entrance is south of the reefs. Follow the general trend of the south shore about 0.2 mile off. When approaching the south inner point where the bay narrows, change course so as to pass about 220 yards off the point; beyond, the bay is clear. Depths of 12 to 20 fathoms are carried through the channel.

 Anchorages

Anchorage may be had in 22 fathoms, mud and sand bottom, off the stream on the south side of the bay or near the head, but swinging room is restricted. The stream may be identified by the grassy area near its mouth. Fishing boats and other small craft may anchor in shoaler water closer in. During southeast gales the wind is felt with considerable force, and the depths throughout the bay, averaging about 30 fathoms, mud bottom, are too great for secure anchorage.

From Windy Bay to Nation Point, the northwest point of the island, the shoreline is rocky and rugged. Off the rounding point, about 1.8 miles to the southwest of Nation Point, are two rocks about 300 yards offshore; the south rock shows breakers in moderate weather, the north rock bares. A rock that uncovers about 4 feet is 0.3 mile north of the two rocks.

Nation Point, at the northwest end of Coronation Island, is rocky, with breakers close-to on the west side. Depths of 14 to 39 fathoms were obtained 0.3 mile from the point. The land rises rather steeply at first, then with a gradual slope to Pin Peak.

From Nation Point to Cora Point, the shoreline is cut up by numerous bays and inlets; the principal ones are Egg Harbor and Aats Bay, both affording anchorage. , about 2.3 miles to the east of Nation Point, is a prominent rocky point. The land rises in a timbered ridge of moderate slope.

 Local magnetic disturbance

Differences of as much as 3° from normal variations have been observed at Aats Point.

Egg Harbor is on the east side of Nation Point, directly under Pin Peak. It is a secure anchorage, except from north winds. The shoreline halfway to the head of the bay is rocky, then beyond it is sandy. About 0.5 mile within the entrance, on the west shore, are caves about 30 feet high, two shacks, and a white boulder beach that can usually be seen at night. A trail leads from this place to near the summit of Pin Peak, where mining has ceased.

A rock, which bares, is 0.1 mile off the west shore at the entrance. Kelp extends from the shore to about 20 yards beyond the rock. In entering the bay at night this rock is the main danger, as it can seldom be picked up and usually does not show as a breaker.

Off the east point of the entrance is a rock about 10 feet high. About 160 yards to the northwest of this rock is a rock awash at high water.

The channel between the rocks off the point is about 500 yards wide, and a midchannel course leads to safe anchorage in 5 to 7 fathoms, sand bottom. During southeast gales, williwaws sweep down with considerable force and heavy ground tackle is necessary to prevent dragging. On the east side of the bay, halfway to the head, is a small bight used by fishing craft, as it affords better protection. Near this place is a low portage to the bay to the east.

, east of Egg Harbor, is free of dangers, and anchorage can be selected according to size of vessel in either the outer or inner part of the bay.

, east of Aats Point, has two arms. The west arm is too deep for secure anchorage; the east arm affords anchorage in 6 to 8 fathoms, sand and mud bottom. The entrance of the east arm has a 1½-fathom rock marked by kelp. At times there is a kelp patch about 200 yards to the south of the rock. Favor the east shore in entering. During severe southeast gales, williwaws are felt with considerable force, and heavy ground tackle is necessary to prevent dragging. The bay is exposed to north weather.

is about 1 mile east of Aats Bay, and rocks that uncover about 3 feet are midway between the entrance points. The bay is full of kelp and has depths of 3 to 7 fathoms; shoal water extends 0.3 mile from its head. It is not suitable as an anchorage. , a small island with a few trees, is 0.5 mile offshore and marks the entrance to the bay. The island shows up well from east and west. During moderately thick weather it is a good landmark.

From Aats Bay to Cora Point the shoreline is irregular. Near Cora Point, on the north shore, is , a small rocky islet with a few trees on it. South of the islet is a small cove where small launches anchor in 5 to 10 fathoms.

 Dangers

The rocks off the south end of Coronation Island are described under Helm Point. The most important dangers off the north coast are as follows: A 2-fathom spot, which during heavy weather shows as a breaker, is 2.3 miles north-northeast from Nation Point; it is not marked by kelp. A rock that uncovers 8 feet is 1.1 miles north-northwest from Aats Point. A very heavy breaker 0.2 mile southeast of the rock was occasionally observed during a severe gale, but the shoalest depths found were 7½ fathoms. A 2¼-fathom shoal, marked by kelp in the summer, is 0.4 mile west-southwest of the rock in The shoal area extends 0.4 mile north-northeast. A rock awash at extreme low water is 0.5 mile northeast of Aats Point.

The channel between Coronation Island and the Hazy Islands is clear. Spanish Island and Cape Decision are described in chapter 7.

 Point Howard to Table Bay

(), on the east side of Chatham Strait about 5 miles northwest of Cape Decision, consists of a detached rocky ledge back of which is a group of several bare mountain peaks, including .

, between Cape Decision and Point Howard, is open to the west and is not considered a secure anchorage. The temporary use of the cove is recommended only for small craft of not over 6-foot draft with local knowledge.

, a fair-weather anchorage, is an indentation in the shoreline between Point Howard and Point Crowley. It is exposed and affords poor holding ground.

Point Crowley is a prominent headland on the east shore 8 miles northwest of Cape Decision. Most of the higher peaks in this vicinity are bare. A group of rocks, which uncover at about 10 feet and on which the sea breaks at practically all stages of the tide, is about 1 mile southwest from the point. The passage between the rocks and the point may be used to take advantage of the prevailing north current when northbound on the east side of Chatham Strait. Attention should be paid to the current setting west, toward the rocks, just south of the point.

Point Crowley Light (), 45 feet above the water, is shown from a skeleton tower with a red and white diamond-shaped daymark on the point.

The north entrance point of Table Bay, about 2 miles north of Point Crowley, consists of an island close to a tongue of lowland, which affords some shelter from the swell in the north arm of the bay. Temporary anchorage may be had in 13 to 16 fathoms, mud bottom. Favor the southeast shore and take care not to anchor too close to the rocks, awash at high water, off the north shore of the arm. In the northernmost part of the north arm is a good place to beach a vessel in case of emergency. Fishing vessels generally anchor in the southeast arm of the bay. At high water small craft can enter the landlocked cove on the west side of the north arm by passing between the wooded island on the north side of the cove and the rocky islet south of this island. At low water this entrance has bare rocks.

The entrance to Table Bay is marked on each side by bold, rocky bluffs that are very distinctive in color; those on the north side are dark, and those on the south side are light and show prominently when in the sun. The low gap at the east end of the bay is prominent in contrast with the high land on either side.

 Port Malmesbury to Elena Bay

is on the east side of Chatham Strait, 17 miles north of Cape Decision. On the southeast side of the port are two arms; one about 1.7 miles inside the entrance and the other near the head. The northwest side has a short arm about halfway between the entrance and the head of the port.

, the north entrance point to Port Malmesbury, is a bare rocky platform, 40 to 50 feet high, that extends 0.2 mile out from the tree line. Point Harris Light (), 32 feet above the water, is shown from a skeleton tower with a red and white diamond-shaped daymark on the point. Back of the point the land rises gradually at first and then more abruptly, to form a prominent detached peak. This mountain has a dark green growth of timber on the west slope and a large yellow landslide on the south slope.

One-half mile east of Point Harris is another prominent point. Its face is a steep bluff of light gray rock. The land rises abruptly here to form a small knob; the low land back of the knob rises uniformly to the first-mentioned peak. The knob is prominent from the northwest direction and is visible over Point Harris.

A reef extends about 350 yards off the point on the north side of the port about 1.5 miles east of Point Harris. The bight west of this reef affords fair-weather anchorage, protected from north winds, in 15 fathoms, soft bottom.

The small arm on the northwest side has a narrow entrance channel with dangers on both sides. Vessels entering should favor the south shore in the narrow entrance. Good anchorage with a mud bottom is inside the arm.

The shore near the south entrance point of the port is irregular and foul. The head of the first arm on the south side affords anchorage with mud bottom. Favor the southwest side near the head to avoid the charted 2¼ fathom rock.

In the second arm on the south side, anchorage with mud bottom may be had in the basin at the head of the arm. The channel to the basin is narrow and rocky along the northeast at its entrance.

, between Port Malmesbury and Gedney Harbor and about 1.3 miles north of Point Harris, extends to the basin at the northwest end of Port Malmesbury, with low land between. This bight is used by small craft for anchorage in all but west weather.

is about 3.5 miles north of Point Harris. It rises by several broad terraces to a bare-topped mountain. At Point Cosmos the shore trends northeast for about 2 miles to the entrance of Gedney Harbor.

, about 23 miles north of Cape Decision, has its entrance on the east side of Chatham Strait 2 miles northeast of Point Cosmos. The harbor is a horseshoe-shaped cove, averaging about 0.2 mile in width, that surrounds a wooded island that is about 1 mile long. The passage east of the island is blocked at its north end by rocks and reefs.

The entrance to the harbor is on either side of a ledge about 400 yards long, about 0.2 mile west of the island. The northwest and southeast ends of the ledge are bare heads that show only a few feet above the highest tides. The channels on each side of the ledge are clear in midchannel. About 0.3 mile southeast of the ledge the passage southwest of the island is narrowed to a width of about 200 yards by a sharp point projecting from Kuiu Island. Kelp and shoal water extend about 50 yards off the point.

The harbor is used extensively by fishermen during the season. Anchorage is available in most parts of the harbor, mud bottom.

A fish-buying scow is usually anchored in the harbor during the summer. Water, ice, gasoline, diesel fuel, limited provisions and fishing supplies are available on the scow.

is on the east side of Chatham Strait north of Gedney Harbor. Its entrance is between Point Ellis on the north and on the south. The bay extends inland for about 7 miles and branches into three arms of irregular shape. The high regions north and south of the entrance merge into the low-lying hills that cover the entrance islands and the long projecting points of the bay. The islands inside the bay and the east shore of Chatham Strait are low and a distinctive feature of the locality.

are three islands from 1 to 2 miles north of Swaine Point. are six islands just northeast of Windfall Islands. They are separated from Kuiu Island by . This passage is narrow and has strong currents during spring tides. is the most north point of the Troller Island group.

From some distance offshore in Chatham Strait, Windfall Islands and Troller Islands appear as a continuous stretch of shoreline.

is a bare rock in the entrance to Tebenkof Bay, about 0.9 mile northwest from Troller Point. It forms an excellent landmark for entering the bay. Southwest from the rock are a number of shoals and submerged pinnacle rocks as shown on the chart. A rock, 15 feet high, similar to Davis Rock in appearance, is off Troller Point.

is between Kuiu Island and the off-lying Windfall Islands and Troller Islands. It affords fair anchorage during south weather. The entrance is obstructed by shoals off Swaine Point and the southernmost Windfall Island.

, the south arm of Tebenkof Bay, affords excellent anchorage near its head, mud bottom.

 Local magnetic disturbance

Differences of as much as 4° from normal variations have been observed on the west shore of Thetis Bay at

The entrance to , the southeast arm, is endangered by numerous reefs and shoals. The north side of the entrance channel is marked by Tebenkof Bay Light 1 (), 14 feet above the water, shown from a small house with a square green daymark on a small island on the east side of the entrance. A daybeacon is on a rock awash, 1.7 miles southeast from the light.

Good anchorage can be selected in various parts of Petrof Bay; the chart is the best guide.

is a small cove on the north side of Tebenkof Bay, about 4 miles east-southeast of Point Ellis.

on the north side of the bay 3 miles southeast from Piledriver Cove is well sheltered. Its entrance is marked by one bare and one wooded island. The inner cove, separated from the lower part by a narrow channel, has sand bottom and beach.

is the southernmost extremity on the north shore of Tebenkof Bay about 1.2 miles southeast from Happy Cove. From the entrance to Tebenkof Bay, it is distinguished by the gap between the islet south of it and the point.

, the north arm, affords good anchorage at various places.

 Routes

The entrance to Tebenkof Bay north of Davis Rock is clear and may be navigated easily with the aid of the chart. In approaching this entrance from south, take care to avoid the dangers southwest of Davis Rock. Small craft can enter the bay via Explorer Basin and Helianthus Passage.

 Point Ellis to Kingsmill Point

The Bay of Pillars and Rowan Bay, on the east side of Chatham Strait, share a common entrance about 38 miles north of Cape Decision. The bight that forms the entrance between Point Ellis and Point Sullivan is about 7.2 miles wide and indents the coast 2.5 miles in its main part. The two bays have secure anchorages. The bight has many islands, rocks and reefs, especially between the two arms, but a deep channel leads into each arm.

(), the south point of Bay of Pillars, is 16.5 miles north of Point Harris. The point is low and rocky. Rising steep and bluff back of it is a high wooded ridge with two prominent landslides on its south face; the east one is an inverted “V” in shape. These slides are bare and can be seen for a long distance from south or southwest. A rock, covered 2½ fathoms, is about 0.3 mile west-southwest of the point in about A bare reef is 0.4 mile west-northwest of Point Ellis. The reef is marked by Point Ellis Light (), 30 feet above the water, shown from a skeleton tower with a red and white diamond-shaped daymark. Kelp is between the reef and the point and also extends about 0.5 mile north from the reef. A rock awash is about 0.3 mile north of the reef in

Islands, islets, reefs and bare and covered rocks are on the north side of the entrance to Bay of Pillars; kelp is in the area.

extends about 10 miles northeast from Point Ellis and is comparatively clear for 4.5 miles. Above this the bay is foul and must be navigated with caution.

The best approach to the bay is on a southeast course passing about 0.9 mile north of Point Ellis Light, then following a midchannel course on about 068° into the bay.

Temporary anchorage for small boats can be had in a cove about 2.1 miles northeast of Point Ellis in 10 to 20 fathoms, mud and shell bottom.

The ruins of a cannery wharf and a saltery wharf are on the southeast side of Bay of Pillars, about 3.5 miles above Point Ellis. The area around the wharves is foul with submerged pilings and debris and should be avoided or navigated with extreme caution. In 1981, the NOAA Ship DAVIDSON found secure anchorage in 70 knot southwest winds, 1 mile north-northeast of the cannery in 15 to 20 fathoms, mud bottom.

A rock that bares 1 foot is on the south side of the bay about 0.5 mile northeast of the cannery wharf in about

Four small islands are on the southeast side of the bay, about 4.5 miles above Point Ellis. Secure anchorage for small vessels can be found about 400 yards east of the islands and the same distance from the shore, in 10 to 11 fathoms. It is safer for a stranger to enter at low water. The channel is about 150 yards wide between the north end of the islands and the reef to the north. The channel north of the reef is about 150 yards wide and is the most direct route to the upper parts of the bay.

About 6 miles above the entrance a narrow foul channel leads into the inner bay, which is clear and deep. The narrow entrance to the inner bay has strong tidal currents and should only be entered at slack water or with local knowledge. A rock awash is at midchannel at the west end of the narrow entrance in about

Anchorage can be found in the cove to the southwest corner of the inner bay in 4 to 10 fathoms, mud bottom. A 1½-fathom spot is near the center of the cove. Good anchorage in 2 to 7 fathoms, mud bottom, is found in any part of the arm leading south at the head of the bay.

has a very irregular bottom and much kelp and is suitable only for small vessels. Strangers should preferably enter at low water and exercise care, because there are many charted and uncharted shoals in the bay and at its entrance.

A rock awash, with deep water around it, is about 0.8 mile southwest of the narrow entrance to Rowan Bay. It is marked by kelp. A rock, covered 3½ fathoms in , is about 1.1 miles southwest of the rock awash. Another danger spot, covered 1.8 fathoms, is about 220 yards southwest of the 3½-fathom covered rock in about Mariners are advised to exercise caution in this area.

The entrance to Rowan Bay, 5 miles north of Point Ellis, has depths of 10 to 20 fathoms, however, uncharted shoals from 3 to 1½ fathoms are reported; local knowledge is advised. The shores at the entrance are foul. At 1.2 miles within the entrance there is an island in the middle. The deep channel follows the southwest and southeast sides of the island at a distance of about 200 yards. The passage north of the island is narrow and bordered on both sides by foul ground, but it is preferred because a nearly straight approach is possible.

East of the island, the bay has a northeast direction with depths of 3 to 15 fathoms and is a secure anchorage. A rock, covered 1.8 fathoms, is 0.45 mile east-northeast from the island in the middle of the bay in about Other rocks extend about 250 yards east of the 1.8 fathom rock and caution is advised in this area. Two large streams enter the head, and an extensive flat borders the entire north shore between them to a distance of over 0.5 mile, but the shoaling is gradual up to 3 fathoms.

In 1981, a logging camp was operating in Rowan Bay on the northwest shore on both sides of the point about 0.6 mile north-northeast of the island. A small-craft and seaplane float is about 0.2 mile west of the point. A log storage area and log booms are in the north part of the bay. Gasoline and a machine shop are available in an emergency only. Radiotelephone communications are maintained with other parts of Alaska and with other states.

Point Sullivan, about 7.2 miles north of Point Ellis, is low and wooded. The land rises gradually back to a ridge. A chain of islands, bare and submerged rocks and kelp extend about 1.2 miles south-southeast from the point. East of these islands is a bight, open to the south, where temporary anchorage can be found in 13 to 20 fathoms.

is on the east side of Chatham Strait, about 45 miles north of Cape Decision and about 2.5 miles north of Point Sullivan. The bay is deep and has high, steep sides; its entrance is not visible far from shore. Washington Bay Light (), 33 feet above the water, is shown from a spindle with a red and white diamond-shaped daymark on the point on the south side of the entrance. A 5½-fathom spot is about 0.5 mile south of Washington Bay entrance in about Rocks and kelp extend off the north point of the entrance. Submerged pilings extend about 50 yards off the north shore, about 0.5 mile from the head of the bay; caution is advised in the area. Temporary anchorage can be had in the middle of the bay about 0.7 mile from the head.

The head of the bay is not recommended as an anchorage because of insufficient swinging room. In the winter, violent southeast winds draw down the north side of the head of the bay. Mariners should follow a midchannel course when entering the bay.

is on the east side of Chatham Strait at its junction with Frederick Sound. It is marked by Kingsmill Point Light (), 25 feet above the water and shown from a pile with a red and white diamond-shaped daymark. Frederick Sound is described in chapter 8.

 Breakfast Rock to Miner Cove

is about 0.3 mile off the west shore of Chatham Strait, about 4 miles north-northeast of Cape Ommaney and about 0.9 mile south-southeast of Port Alexander Light. It is 5 feet high, small in extent and bare and has deep water close-to. Small boats with local knowledge use a passage between this rock and the reef that extends out from the shore.

, indenting the west shore of the strait about 5 miles north of Cape Ommaney, is a small-boat harbor with an entrance 150 yards wide.

Port Alexander Light (), 68 feet above the water, is shown from a skeleton tower with a red and white diamond-shaped daymark on the high bare rocky point at the south side of the entrance.

A federal project provides for a 150-foot-wide channel, 15 feet deep, that leads through ledge rock at the main entrance. In 2011, the controlling depth was 10 feet in the main entrance channel except for shoaling and heavy kelp buildup in the west quarter of the channel. The channel to the inner harbor is no longer maintained, and local knowledge is necessary for safe entry.

A lighted 334° range leads through the center of the entrance channel and close southwest of a buoy that marks the southeast end of a shoal with rocks awash.

A submerged pipeline crosses the channel about 50 yards north of the 334° rear range marker. The pipeline is marked by two orange floats at each end. Vessels are cautioned not to anchor in this area.

A speed limit of 3 miles per hour is prescribed for certain vessels in Port Alexander. (See 33 CFR 162.250, chapter 2, for regulations.)

, a fishing settlement with a general store, is on the east side of the harbor. It has a public wharf and two state-maintained small-craft floats. The public wharf is in the outer harbor at the south end of the settlement. In 1976, depths of 12 feet were reported along the face. Just north of the public wharf is one of the two state floats. The 412-foot-long float, with a seaplane float at its north end, can accommodate craft on both sides; depths of 10 to 20 feet were reported alongside in 1976. The second small-craft float is on the east side of the inner harbor, about 500 yards north of the public wharf. The 250-foot-long float can accommodate craft on both sides. In 1976, depths of 10 to 20 feet were reported alongside.

Limited amounts of gasoline, diesel fuel, water and provisions can be obtained in the summer at the general store. Ice is available in the summer from a fish-buying station.

A 48-foot grid is immediately west of the approach pier to the small-craft float on the east side of the inner harbor.

The settlement maintains radiotelephone communications with other parts of Alaska and with other states.

, 6.5 miles north of Cape Ommaney, is low, flat, and wooded. The point is the north extremity of a comparatively low peninsula between Port Alexander and Port Conclusion. A small island is close off the point. is an open bight on the southeast side of the point. Flotsam Islet is in the southeast part of the cove.

has its entrance west of Point Conclusion. The soundings are deep and somewhat irregular, but the port and approaches have been found clear of dangers. On the southeast shore of the port, 0.3 mile south-southeast of Point Conclusion, is a cove about 0.2 mile long with a sandy beach at its head. About 0.9 mile farther southwest, on the same shore, is where Vancouver (English navigator and discoverer) moored his vessels. The cove affords protected anchorage for small craft in 1¼ to 2¼ fathoms with caution of the charted rocks. John Bay, on the west side opposite Point Conclusion, is a deep bight of no importance.

Ruins of two saltery wharves are on the west side of Port Conclusion at its head. In 1976, the north wharf was pile ruins, and the south wharf had loose outer piles and an unstable deck. Caution is advised.

Port Armstrong is 1.5 miles north of Point Conclusion. From , the south point at the entrance, a narrow ledge, which uncovers shortly after high water, extends east for about 200 yards in a continuation of the point. Vessels should keep about 0.5 mile offshore until abreast of the entrance.

About 0.3 mile west of Point Eliza is the narrowest part of the channel with bold shores, leading to the inner landlocked basin of Port Armstrong. This basin affords the best anchorage in the vicinity. The anchorage is in the west end of the basin in 11 to 20 fathoms, soft bottom. The ruins of a wharf and a floating dock are on the north side. A midchannel course carries in safely. All dangers are shown on the chart.

, about 0.8 mile north of Port Armstrong entrance, is an open bight that might afford temporary anchorage for small craft.

 Port Lucy to Port Herbert

has its entrance on the west shore about 10.5 miles north of Cape Ommaney. The anchorage for large vessels is near the head, abreast a deep gulch on the northwest side, in about 20 fathoms. Small vessels can go farther in and anchor in about 10 fathoms. From the head of the port low land extends through to the west side of Baranof Island at Puffin Bay, and winds from those quarters may draw through in consequence, but without any sea. The port is easy of access and apparently has no dangers.

is a small, horseshoe-shaped bay with depths of 3 to 7½ fathoms, mud bottom, which is 12.7 miles north of Cape Ommaney and about 0.9 mile south of Port Walter Light. It is used considerably by small local fishing craft. It has an entrance about 75 yards wide with a midchannel depth of 2½ fathoms. A submerged rock extends from the north side of the entrance.

has its entrance about 14 miles north of Cape Ommaney and 9 miles south of Patterson Point. Port Walter Light (), 20 feet above the water and shown from a skeleton tower with a red and white diamond-shaped daymark, is on the south point at the entrance. Near the head of Port Walter, a little south of midchannel, is a wooded islet. A high-water rocky islet, from which a reef extends in a north direction into the channel, is 50 yards north of the wooded islet. Anchorage in 11 to 14 fathoms, sandy bottom, can be had between the islet and the north shore.

Little Port Walter consists of an inner and outer bay with a narrow connecting channel. A flat, grass-covered rock and two wooded islets are on the west side of the entrance. The National Marine Fisheries Service Laboratory on the northwest side of the inner bay, 0.5 mile southwest of Port Walter Light, is prominent. This building and another nearby dwelling appear as one large white building. A small bridge that crosses the stream at the head of the inner bay is also prominent.

The narrow channel, connecting the inner and outer bays, has a width of about 30 yards with a depth of 1¼ fathoms and is subject to shoaling. The current is estimated to be 1 knot. Vessels should enter between half and high tide only and preferably on a rising tide. They should pass along the southeast side of the channel and make a slow turn to enter the inner bay. Too sharp a turn may throw the stern into shoal water.

Good protected anchorage for small craft can be had in the east side of the inner bay in 5 to 8 fathoms, mud bottom. Southwest winds draw down the creek at the head of the inner bay, but no other winds are felt. A 250 x 100-foot float used for fisheries research occupies the small cove on the north side of the inner bay. A 50 x 60-foot warehouse dock lies at the west end of the float. Due to a submerged pipeline, anchorage is prohibited west of the warehouse dock. VHF-FM channel 82A is monitored locally for clarification on anchorage points and float plane traffic.

New Port Walter is at the head of a small cove on the north side and about 0.8 mile from the entrance to Port Walter. A stream, with a flat at its entrance, is at the head of the cove. A rock, bare at extreme tide, is close to the east entrance point to the cove. A rock, bare at high water, is off the west point of the cove, with a reef that extends part way from the shore.

Big Port Walter, a basin with depths 22 to 54 fathoms, is entered through a narrow passage 0.4 mile long leading from the anchorage west of the wooded islet. The passage is almost straight, with a depth of 26 fathoms in midchannel at its narrowest part. The maximum current in the entrance is estimated to be 2 knots. A large stream enters in the north part, and two streams empty in the southwest part of the bay. One of the latter is a cascade from a lake about 800 feet high. The shores are steep-to, and there are apparently no dangers. The basin is too deep for good anchorage and freezes in winter. With an accumulation of snow, the ice becomes 8 to 10 feet thick during severe winters and lasts almost until spring.

The ruins of a wharf are at the head of Big Port Walter; caution is advised.

has its entrance about 16.5 miles north of Cape Ommaney and 6.5 miles south of Patterson Point. The water is too deep for anchorage, and there are apparently no dangers. There are no islets or rocks at its entrance, which distinguishes it from Port Walter.

 Patterson Point to Patterson Bay

About 4 miles north of Port Herbert and 2.3 miles south of Patterson Point is a small bight used for anchorage by local fishing craft during the summer.

(), on the west side of Chatham Strait 23 miles north of Cape Ommaney, is the east point at the entrance to Patterson Bay. It is high, bluff, bold, extends north to a series of high rugged peaks and is the south end of a high mountain ridge between Patterson Bay and Chatham Strait. The point is conspicuous from the south. Patterson Bay shows as a deep gulch in the high rugged mountains.

Patterson Point Light (), 50 feet above the water, is shown from a skeleton tower with a red and white diamond-shaped daymark on the south end of Patterson Point.

, about 1.4 miles southwest from Patterson Point, is an open bight too deep for anchorage. A waterfall on the southwest side of the cove is visible from well north in Chatham Strait.

has its entrance 1.1 miles west of Patterson Point. A narrow peninsula makes out from the north shore about 2.4 miles within the entrance. A stream with a flat at its mouth empties at the base of the peninsula on its north side. Another stream with a waterfall empties at the head of Deep Cove. Anchorage can be made near the small flat below this waterfall in 20 to 25 fathoms, soft bottom. The water in the cove is otherwise too deep for anchorage.

has its entrance west of Patterson Point. Constricted anchorage in 22 to 24 fathoms can be made below the wooded islet at the head and abreast a small green point on the west side formed by the debris from the cliffs above it. Several streams enter the bay. No directions are necessary, and there are apparently no dangers in the bay.

 Gut Bay to Cascade Bay

is on the west side of Chatham Strait, about 34.5 miles north of Cape Ommaney. At 0.3 mile east of the narrow entrance and 300 yards from the south side is a rocky patch with 4½ fathoms; vessels should pass north of it. The entrance is about 100 yards wide with bold shores. The sides are bluff, bold and rocky, in some places almost perpendicular. On the south side, 2.5 miles from the entrance, is the narrow opening of a little bay, between high ridges, with a depth of ¾ fathom. Small craft can enter this bay at high water and anchor in about 3 fathoms.

The water in the main bay is deep, but a temporary anchorage can be had on the south side 0.5 mile within the entrance, off a rocky ledge and small stream, in about 20 fathoms. This anchorage is not good, because the bottom is rocky, and the wind draws through. A fair anchorage can be had near the head in 10 to 20 fathoms.

is about 2 miles north of Gut Bay and extends back into the mountains of Baranof Island. The sides are steep and bold and the water deep, over 100 fathoms through the middle. Hoggatt Bay Light (56º45’51”N., 134º39’22”W.), 40 feet above the water, is shown from a skeleton tower with a red and white diamond-shaped daymark on the south side of the entrance to the bay.

is 4.5 miles north of Hoggatt Bay and 10 miles west of Kingsmill Point and is named from the prominent rocky red hill north that come down to a low point on the north side of the entrance. The small islands in the entrance to the bay almost close it. The bay extends back into the mountains. About the middle it chokes to about 100 yards between high cliffs, but the channel is good. On the south side at the head of the bay is a large stream; a flat extends about 0.4 mile from the head and 0.3 mile east from the mouth of the stream.

 Local magnetic disturbance

Differences of 5° from normal variation may be expected in the channel entering Red Bluff Bay.

There are channels on both sides of the westernmost island in the entrance, but the south channel, being straight, is considered safer for long vessels than the wider rounding channel east of the island. Great care should be taken to stay at midchannel.

A small vessel may anchor just inside the entrance in the channel between the islands and the south shore. An anchorage can be had 1.8 miles from the entrance, where the bay begins to narrow, in 8 to 14 fathoms about in midchannel. The bottom is rocky. The wind draws through strongly when it is blowing in the strait. At the head, favoring the north shore and north-northeast of the flat at the mouth of the stream, is a good anchorage in 12 to 16 fathoms with soft bottom and perfect protection.

A reef extends from the northeast shore of the bay for about 75 yards, at about 1 mile northwest of the northwesternmost island in the entrance. The outer end of the reef is bare at almost all stages of the tide and should be given a berth of at least 50 yards. The bay is reported to ice up from the head to the entrance islands during the winter.

Between Red Bluff Bay and Cascade Bay, 11 miles north, are four small bays where small craft may find a depth suitable for anchorage in smooth weather, but only one, Nelson Bay, has protection. None of the bays are important.

, about 6.8 miles north of Red Bluff Bay, is an open bight at the head of which is a circular cove having two islets across the entrance. The entrance to the cove is between the north islet and the point north of it and is 75 yards wide with a depth of 5 fathoms. The cove is 250 yards in diameter between the 10-fathom curves, and the general depth is 15 fathoms, soft bottom. This cove is suitable only for small craft.

is on the west side of Chatham Strait, about 4.5 miles west of Point Gardner (). It has deep water, rocky bottom and no good anchorage. Temporary anchorage can be had in the middle of the bay in 26 fathoms. At its head is a prominent cascade seen from a distance in Frederick Sound.

A waterfall, about 300 feet high, which shows well in Frederick Sound is 1.8 miles south of Cascade Bay.

 Warm Spring Bay to Point Lull Light

is on the west side of Chatham Strait, about 56 miles north of Cape Ommaney and 7 miles northwest of Point Gardner. The bay has good anchorage for small craft, but the anchorage for large vessels is indifferent.

Warm Spring Bay Light (), 27 feet above the water, is shown from a skeleton tower with a red and white diamond-shaped daymark on the south point of the entrance. A microwave tower, about 1 mile west-northwest of the light on a knob along the north shore, is prominent at the entrance to the bay. Two billboard reflectors, one along the south shore and the other at the head, are prominent in the bay. At the head of the bay is a waterfall, visible from Chatham Strait, and near the waterfall are several warm mineral springs.

Warm Spring Bay is of easy access, and with the chart as a guide no trouble should be experienced in entering. Midchannel courses are recommended.

Two small bights in the south shore afford anchorage for small craft. The west one is preferable, because of shoaler water, from 12 to 15 fathoms.

The only anchorage in the bay for large vessels is off the west bight in 25 fathoms, but the bottom is rocky and the current from the cascade usually sets out, making a vessel lie broadside to southeast winds that draw into the bay.

A shoal with a depth of 6¼ fathoms is about 200 yards offshore and about 230 yards east of Warm Spring Bay Light. There may be less water, so it should be avoided when entering the bay. Care should be taken to avoid the reef that makes out 60 yards from the north shore at a point about 200 yards east of Baranof.

Baranof is a village on the north side of Warm Spring Bay at the head. Warm spring baths may be had here. The village has a small approach pier with a seaplane float at its end and a small-craft float that extends east-southeast from near its outer end. The 250-foot-long small-craft float can accommodate craft on both sides; in 1976, depths of 12 to 20 feet were reported alongside. Water is available on the 250-foot float. A 40-foot grid is close east of the small approach pier. Charter seaplane service from Sitka and Juneau is available.

has its entrance on the west side of Chatham Strait about 10.5 miles northwest of Point Gardner and 16 miles south of Point Thatcher. It terminates in a flat about 0.4 mile in extent, formed by a mountain stream emptying as a waterfall.

, the north point at the entrance to Takatz Bay, is marked by , a large white rock about 50 yards off. A high waterfall about 2 miles north of Point Turbot is visible from north a considerable distance.

The south point at the entrance to Takatz Bay is the north point of a high wooded promontory forming the southeast side of the bay.

The entrance of Takatz Bay is not visible until close south of Point Turbot. Give Point Turbot a berth of not less than 0.2 mile when east of it and pass in midchannel between Point Turbot and the outer bare rocks off the south point at the entrance. Leave the two inner bare rocks off the south point at the entrance about 150 yards to the south and favor the south shore for about 0.5 mile to avoid a submerged rock in midchannel. Then follow a midchannel course.

The bay affords secure anchorage about 1.8 miles within its entrance in 15 to 18 fathoms, soft bottom, in the basin that opens out just before reaching the narrows.

Small craft may pass through the narrows in midchannel and anchor 0.2 to 0.4 mile beyond them but should not pass the largest islet 0.5 mile beyond the narrows, as the flat at the head begins there. All known dangers in the bay are charted.

The promontory on the southeast shore of the bay also forms the north shore of a bight, with the , a group of islands on the south side. The bight has no anchorage; the water is very deep and the bottom irregular.

Kasnyku Bay, on the west side of Chatham Strait about 14 miles northwest of Point Gardner, has deep water and no secure anchorage. A small white house structure of a discontinued light is on the southeast end of the island at the head of the bay.

The entrance to the bay is between and , and its surrounding group of small wooded islets, off the south point of the entrance.

is on the west side of Chatham Strait about 5.5 miles north of Takatz Bay and 2 miles south of Kelp Bay. The cove affords anchorage with good shelter in 10 to 15 fathoms, soft bottom, for small vessels. The head of the cove is shoal for a distance of about 0.8 mile.

(), a large indentation in the northeast coasts of Baranof Island, is 10.5 miles south of the east entrance of Peril Strait and 17.5 miles north-northwest of Point Gardner. Its entrance is between the south extremity of Catherine Island and on Baranof Island. The bay has no known commercial activity.

The main bay extends about 3.5 miles northwest where it divides into three arms. Middle Arm extends in a west direction. South Arm extends in a general southwest direction. , in the south part of the bay, is bordered on the east by two groups of islands that include , and other adjacent islands. , which extends in a northwest direction, is reported to connect with Hanus Bay, in Peril Strait, by an overgrown portage.

 Anchorages

Anchorages in the bay are few, the best being in the southeast corner of The Basin. Another is in Middle Arm about 0.8 mile from its head in 22 to 25 fathoms, soft bottom. A small vessel can find temporary anchorage in Portage Arm about 2.7 miles above the entrance in midchannel, in 10 fathoms, but this anchorage has scant swinging room and is exposed to southeast winds that draw through the arm.

 Dangers

The survey of the bay is old and incomplete, and dangers may exist in addition to those shown on the chart. The known dangers include shoal water that extends 0.4 mile south of North Point; ledges that extend off South Point; extensive shoals and dangerous rocks in the cove on the southeast side of Pond Island; Yellow Rock and the shoals southeast, south and west-northwest of it; Plover Rock, with surrounding shoals and rocks that uncover; several detached shoals and a rock awash from about 0.3 to 0.9 mile south of Plover Rock; Zubof Rock in the middle of the entrance to The Basin, and extensive shoal areas with depths as little as 1 fathom in the east and southeast parts of The Basin.

is a large high island off the northeast end of Baranof Island. Mountains take up the greater part of the island. , the southeast extremity of Catherine Island, forms the east side of , a narrow bight, which extends in a north-northwest direction. The cove is open to the south and affords temporary anchorage for small craft only. A submerged reef, marked by kelp, extends 0.6 mile south of Point Lull. Vessels transiting Echo Cove and The Basin in Kelp Bay should use caution or seek local knowledge.

Point Lull Light (), 50 feet above the water, is shown from a skeleton tower with a red and white diamond-shaped daymark on the east side of Point Lull.

 Point Thatcher to Table Mountain

() is the northeast extremity of Catherine Island and the south point at the east entrance to Peril Strait. Peril Strait and Sitkoh Bay are described in chapter 13.

, on the east side of Chatham Strait, is an open bight in the west coast of , about 8 miles north of Point Gardner. Two small wooded islands and foul ground with kelp extend 0.4 mile off the south shore. The entrance has an extensive reef covered at highest tides. Wilson Cove should be avoided, as it affords no protection as an anchorage, except from east winds. The bottom of the cove is foul with depths of 4 to 8 fathoms in places. But should it be necessary to enter the cove, stand in parallel to the south shore, pass south of the reef in the mouth of the cove, keep clear of the kelp on both sides, and anchor in 8 fathoms.

, on the south shore of Whitewater Bay, is peculiarly eroded near the summit. It is the first prominent peak north of Point Gardner.

 Local magnetic disturbance

Differences of as much as 6° from the normal variation have been reported in Chatham Strait in midchannel between 57°15'N., and 57°23'N.

 Whitewater Bay to Village Point

has its entrance on the east side of Chatham Strait between Point Caution and Woody Point, 15 miles north of Point Gardner and 13 miles south of Killisnoo Island. The bay at the head connects by a narrow passage with a lagoon, bare at low water. Secure anchorage can be had near the head of the bay.

 Caution

No recent surveys have been made of the bay. The bottom is very irregular, and there is no certainty that all dangers are charted. In 1975, a 1½-fathom spot was reported in the entrance to the bay, about 0.6 mile east of Lone Tree Islet, in about

is marked by , which is 350 yards off the point. Foul ground and kelp extend over 0.9 mile west and 0.9 mile north from the point.

, about 0.2 mile north of , on the south shore of the bay and 1.3 miles southeast of Point Caution, is low, bare and surrounded by ledges marked by kelp. , named from its formation, is on the north shore about 0.8 mile northeast of Healy Rock and marks the entrance to the anchorage. A shoal with a submerged rock, dangerous to navigation, at its end extends 300 yards southeast from Sand Point. , low and wooded, is close to the north shore, 0.5 mile east of Sand Point.

Anchorage may be had in 10 fathoms, soft bottom, 0.2 mile southwest of North Island with Black Point and Sand Point in line.

, the north point at the entrance, has a small, rocky, wooded islet about 100 yards northwest from it.

Foul ground marked by kelp extends about 0.3 mile from the north shore of the bay for a distance of 1.3 miles south of Woody Point. The most projecting is a bare ledge that extends 0.3 mile west from the first point south-southeast of Woody Point. Kelp surrounds the ledge to a distance of 250 yards.

is the north end of shoal water and broken ground that extends 1.2 miles north of Woody Point. The reef is about 0.4 mile in extent in a northwest direction and rises abruptly from very deep water on three sides, bares in places, and is marked by kelp. Tide rips form off the reef.

is on the east side of Chatham Strait about 19 miles north of Point Gardner. About 2 miles from the entrance it divides into two arms. The north arm extends northeast, and the south arm extends east, where it terminates in a long flat at the mouth of a stream.

The north arm has good anchorage in 12 fathoms, sticky bottom, but is open southwest. The south arm has considerable foul ground and should be avoided by strangers.

 Caution

Numerous uncharted rocks have been reported in Chaik Bay. A submerged rock has been reported on the bar across the entrance to the south arm midway between the two small islets. The chart is the guide in entering the bay.

A bare islet is 0.8 mile northwest of , the south point at the entrance, and a ledge covered at half tide extends 0.3 mile northwest from the islet. A bare ledge is about 0.3 mile from the north shore of the bay inside . A kelp-marked patch with 4¼ fathoms is 0.3 mile northwest of the wooded island in the middle of the bay 1.5 miles within the entrance. A 2-fathom shoal is about 0.6 mile northwest of the wooded island in about

A rock, covered 4½ fathoms in , is 0.9 mile from shore and about 1.4 miles northwest of Village Point.

 Distant Point to Kanalku Bay

, about 23 miles north of Point Gardner, is the south point at the entrance to Hood Bay. Directly behind it are two mountains which are between Chaik Bay and Hood Bay. The larger mountain is rounded on top, 2.8 miles south of Distant Point, and a spur of this mountain runs toward the water and terminates in a whitish cliff.

has its entrance on the east side of Chatham Strait and is marked by a lighted and an unlighted buoy, between Distant Point and Killisnoo Island. It has a general southeast direction from its entrance, curving to about east and then divides. The bay is about 7 miles long from the entrance to the junction with both arms. North Arm has a flat 0.5 mile wide at its head and significant shoaling in the eastern end. South Arm is free from midchannel dangers inside its entrance. Anchorage is available in each arm for large vessels in suitable depths. Small craft find anchorage at the head of each arm in 5 to 10 fathoms, mud bottom.

A shoal with a least depth of 4¾ fathoms is in the channel in Hood Bay where it narrows between Cabin Point and the south shore in

, about 3.5 miles southeast of the entrance buoys, extends 0.4 mile from the northeast shore of the bay. The cove west of the point is foul; the cove northeast of the point is shoal but offers anchorage for small craft and shelter from north weather in 4 to 10 fathoms, hard sand bottom. Shoal water extends about 0.5 mile south from the point.

A shoal extends about 0.4 mile west from the point on the north shore about 1.7 miles east of Cabin Point. Winds of considerable force are reported in the North Arm.

 Ice

Ice in South Arm makes navigation unsafe and quite often impossible during the winter. Ice also forms in North Arm from its head to within 0.3 mile of the entrance to the arm.

Pile ruins of two wharves are on the north side of the entrance to North Arm. Caution is advised.

is on the east side of Chatham Strait, 27.5 miles north of Point Gardner, and on the north side of the entrance to Hood Bay.

Killisnoo Harbor Light 7 (), 16 feet above the water, is shown from a small house on a skeleton structure with a green square daymark on a concrete pier on a rock off the northeast point of Killisnoo Island.

 Channels

The south channel leads between Table Island and Killisnoo Island and between the southeast end of Killisnoo Island and about 150 yards northwest of the daybeacon marking Lone Rock.

The north channel leads between Killisnoo Island and Kenasnow Rocks and between Killisnoo Island and Admiralty Island. In summer kelp extends entirely across the channel. The kelp is useful in defining the channel. The least depth in both channels is about 4 fathoms.

A 1¾-fathom spot is in the northwest part of the harbor in about The chart is the guide for both channels.

The anchorage is in midharbor off the east end of Killisnoo Island, in 14 to 15 fathoms. The harbor is somewhat exposed to southeast gales, but no considerable sea makes into the anchorage.

The tidal currents at Killisnoo Harbor are irregular, but the averages show that the current on the last half of the falling tide and the first part of the rising tide sets from Hood Bay west through the harbor and north channel, and that the current on the second half of the rising tide and first half of the falling tide sets east through the north channel and the harbor into Hood Bay. See the Tidal Current prediction service at tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov for specific information about times, directions, and velocities of the current at numerous locations throughout the area. Links to a user guide for this service can be found in chapter 1 of this book.

The current follows the channel, and the velocity is not important except in the narrow part of the north entrance.

A city cargo dock is on the northwest shore of Killisnoo Harbor, about 150 yards north-northeast of Killisnoo Harbor Light 7. In 2002, 40 feet was reported alongside the 110-foot face for the receipt of petroleum products. The Angoon Ferry Terminal Dock, with 24 feet reported alongside, is immediately northeast of the cargo dock. The steel transfer bridge, with dolphins, will accommodate a 200-foot ferry loading and unloading passengers and vehicles. A small-craft grid is immediately north of the steel transfer bridge. A highway connects Killisnoo Harbor with Angoon about 1.9 miles to the north-northwest.

Killisnoo Island is wooded; Point Samuel is on the west end. A ledge, well bare at low water, extends about 125 yards off the southeast end of Killisnoo Island. A buoy marks the reef off the north side of the west end of Killisnoo Island.

Table Island, about 30 feet high, sandy and grass covered, is about 0.5 mile south of Killisnoo Island. It is surrounded by reefs to a distance of about 0.3 mile. On its north side the 3-fathom curve is fairly close to the island, but kelp extends out about 300 yards into 6 and 8 fathoms. A shoal, marked at its outer end by a lighted buoy, extends northeast from the island. A small islet is 0.1 mile southwest of the island.

Sand Island, 1.1 miles southeast of Table Island, is about 10 feet high and is the northwest end of a chain of reefs 1.9 miles long parallel to the east shore of Hood Bay. A straight but narrow channel is between these reefs and the east shore. A bar with 4½ to 10 fathoms over it is between Sand Island and Table Island.

, which bares, is 0.3 mile southeast of the southeast end of Killisnoo Island. It is surrounded by kelp and is marked by a daybeacon. The bottom is foul, and considerable kelp is between the rock and the southeast shore and no safe channel between.

Kootznahoo Roads is on the north side of Killisnoo Island and forms part of the north channel leading to Killisnoo Harbor.

Kenasnow Rocks is an extensive ledge about 0.6 mile offshore southwest of Angoon and marked on the north side by a lighted buoy. Portions of the ledge are always above water, and it is surrounded by heavy kelp, especially on its inshore side. There is a channel between it and the shore, the latter being fringed with kelp for some distance. The south end of the ledge is about 0.8 mile north of Killisnoo Island.

Angoon, about 1.8 miles north of Killisnoo Island, is a village with a general store and a seasonal hotel and is bordered on its west and east sides by Chatham Strait and Kootznahoo Inlet, respectively. At Angoon, an antenna, a microwave tower and a small green tank farm are prominent from Chatham Strait. Angoon has a health center, with a nurse in attendance every other month.

 Weather

Located in the more sheltered recesses of Chatham Strait, Angoon has a slightly more continental influence than more exposed locales. Average maximum temperatures range from 32°F in January to 62°F in July, with 111 days of freezing temperatures and 4 days of 70°F or above, on average. While precipitation is frequent, falling on about 110 days annually, amounts are on the light side with 47 inches annually, compared to an average of 169 inches at Port Alexander. Precipitation is most likely from September through February. Snow totals 77 inches in an average year with highest amounts occurring in December, January and February.

The village pier, a 525-foot-long T-headed pier with a 48-foot outer face, extends into Chatham Strait. In 2002, a depth of 30 feet (9.1 m) was reported along the outer face. The harbormaster assigns berths and can be contacted by telephone (907-788-3630) or VHF-FM channel 1 or 16. Gasoline, diesel fuel, lube oil, distillates and greases are available at the pier. Limited amounts of provisions and lodging are available in town.

A small-craft float, fuel float and seaplane float are in Kootznahoo Inlet; these facilities are described later in this chapter. Radiotelephone and telephone communications are maintained. A highway connects Angoon with Killisnoo Harbor about 1.9 miles south-southeast. A freight boat from Seattle calls monthly. Seaplanes call daily from Juneau in the summer.

Danger Point, on the east shore of Chatham Strait, 30 miles north of Point Gardner and 2.5 miles north of Point Samuel, the west extremity of Killisnoo Island, forms the south point at the entrance to Kootznahoo Inlet. Danger Point Light (), 30 feet (9.1 m) above the water, is shown from a skeleton tower with a red and white diamond-shaped daymark on a concrete pier near the end of the reef that extends about 0.2 mile north from the point. A lighted buoy marks the outer end of the reef.

Kootznahoo Inlet is an intricate group of narrow passages, lagoons, and bays on the east shore of Chatham Strait 2.8 miles northeast of Killisnoo Island. It is full of rocks and reefs, and through the narrow passages the tidal currents rush with great velocity. The navigation of Kootznahoo Inlet is such that it should not be attempted except by small craft of short length and ready turning qualities, and then only at slack water and with local knowledge. Fishing vessels are the only ones that navigate the inlet.

The entrance is between Danger Point and Kootznahoo Head, and it extends southeast to Turn Point, where it divides into three arms. The southernmost arm continues in a southeast direction to Favorite Bay; the northernmost extends northeast to Mitchell Bay; the middle arm, also extending east, leads among the islands, is obstructed at its entrance and is navigable only by small craft. The lagoons between the islands are full of rocks and reefs and are not navigable except by small craft.

From its entrance the inlet is free from obstructions until Village Rock is reached. Village Rock, marked by a light, is a large low-water ledge that extends toward Turn Point halfway across from the village of Angoon on the southwest side. Large swirls occur here, caused by the great velocity of the tidal currents.

Southeast of Village Rock, the south shore is clear for about 0.5 mile. The north side is obstructed by a ledge marked by kelp at slack water and terminates in Rose Rock, which is reported to be about 6 feet high. A rock awash has been reported along the ledge nearly midway between Turn Point and Rose Rock. A red triangular daymark on a pipe is shown from the shore southwest of Rose Rock and about 600 yards southeast of the light on Village Rock.

 Currents

The tidal currents have great velocity in Kootznahoo Inlet, and the inlet should be navigated at slack water, the safest condition being low water slack. In 1975, however, a small boat from the Coast Guard Cutter CLOVER was able to transit the inlet as far as Daybeacon 6, about 1.4 miles above the mouth, at high water slack without difficulty. They did encounter erratic, sometimes strong, currents. See the Tidal Current prediction service at tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov for specific information about times, directions, and velocities of the current at numerous locations throughout the area. Links to a user guide for this service can be found in chapter 1 of this book. The flood current at the entrance sets in almost parallel to the northeast shore and so continues until it reaches Village Rock, where it divides, one part going northeast around Turn Point and the other continuing southeast around Rose Rock, where it again divides. One part continues southeast into Favorite Bay, while the other turns short around the rock and divides again, one part going northeast and the other following the north channel.

Vessels rounding Rose Rock at slack water can carry slack water all the way to Mitchell Bay.

At Village Rock, the currents have a velocity of 5 to 8 knots; at Point Bridge, as high as 10 knots; and at Passage Island, as high as 7 knots. Rapids begin at Village Rock and continue until well past Rose Rock.

From Pillsbury Point to Point Bridge the current is very swift, probably reaching 10 knots, with much boiling and swirling, the worst place being at Point Bridge. This can be passed only at slack water, which lasts only a few minutes.

Through all the narrow channels leading into the various bays the currents have great velocity, and they should not be attempted in any kind of a boat except at slack water. (See the Tidal Current Tables for daily predictions.)

 Caution

The navigation of Kootznahoo Inlet should not be attempted by strangers. A guide can be obtained at Angoon, Petersburg and Sitka.

A seaplane float is in the small cove about 800 yards (732 m) southeast of the daybeacon west of Rose Rock. The city of Angoon maintains small-craft floats about 300 yards (279 m) southeast of the seaplane float. Berthing is on both sides of the floats. A fueling float, 185-feet (56 m) long, is close northwest to the small-craft floats. In 2002, a least depth of 10 feet (3 m) was reported along the floats. The harbormaster assigns berths. A tidal drydock is available. A 72-foot-long grid is on the southeast side of the approach pier to the small-craft floats. Water and electricity are at the small-craft floats. Supplies and communications facilities are available at Angoon, about 0.8 mile northwest.

has anchorage in 10 to 17 fathoms near the southwest shore anywhere northwest of a high bluff marking the end of the flat that extends 1 mile from its head. The bay is used as a fishing ground for herring.

The southernmost arm of Kootznahoo Inlet leading to Favorite Bay has an area of several rocks that bare at the northwest end near Sullivan Point; there are passages to the northeast and southwest of this rocky area. A rocky ledge, with a daybeacon at the outer end, is on the west side of the arm 0.3 mile west of Sullivan Point. A rock is at midchannel near the northwest end of Favorite Bay.

From east of Rose Rock, the north channel turns sharply northwest along the northwest side of the reef making out from Channel Point. Between this ledge and another extensive ledge on the north side of the channel the distance to Stillwater Anchorage is about 0.3 mile.

Stillwater Anchorage is about 1.3 miles long from Turn Point northeast to Pillsbury Point, and 300 to 600 yards wide, with general depths of 16 to 24 fathoms. West of Pillsbury Point a short arm makes northeast about 0.5 mile.

From Stillwater Anchorage the channel leads close to an islet on the south side, between it and a ledge that extends about 200 yards southwest of Pillsbury Point. The channel then narrows to about 140 yards, with reefs on both sides, and extends northeast for 0.5 mile to Point Bridge where it passes between a reef on the north side and a bold bank on the south side. The channel then has a northeast direction for about 0.8 mile, with a width of less than 200 yards and bold shores, and then widens to 0.2 mile and continues in the same direction for 1.6 miles to . Then the channel turns east for 1 mile to , east of which is Mitchell Bay. Extensive ledges on the north side extend southwest from North Point.

is connected at its west end with a lagoon full of rocks, reefs and shallow water. Several islands are in the bay 1 mile from its west end, and the water is foul between them and the west end of the bay. From its entrance at North Point, the channel follows the north shore for 1 mile, where it passes between it and , the northernmost island in the west part of the bay. Beyond Diamond Island, Mitchell Bay is clear and has general depths of 12 to 20 fathoms near Diamond Island, decreasing to 10 fathoms at its east end.

extends southwest from Mitchell Bay and then widens into Kanalku Bay. makes west-southwest from Davis Creek about 0.7 mile from its north end and has depths of 1½ to 4½ fathoms. Davis Creek is foul. At its north entrance a ledge, which partly bares, extends east from the west shore, enclosing and almost closing the channel. At the south end of Davis Creek is ; an extensive ledge crosses the channel at this point, with a narrow passage through.

is a clear open basin with depths of 6 to 10 fathoms. In the bay are two islands, and at its head two large streams and a flat, 0.5 mile wide. On the south side are extensive coal croppings and a deposit of marble.

 Point Hepburn to Cube Point

The bight on the north side of (), about 26 miles north of Kootznahoo Head, affords anchorage for small craft in 5 fathoms with shelter from southeast winds. A stream enters the head of the bight. A logging camp is at the base of the stream. Deadheads and floating logs were reported in the area.

, on the east side of Chatham Strait, 2 miles north of Point Hepburn and 7 miles southeast of Point Augusta, is on the north side of . It affords anchorage for small craft with protection from southeast winds. The cove is about 500 yards long and about half that wide. It has a depth of about 3 fathoms within 200 yards of its head and deeper water farther out. There are no dangers. A stream enters at each end of the sand beach at its head; the east one forms a cascade.

 Point Hayes to Basket Bay

() is the north point of the east entrance to Peril Strait. A lighted bell buoy marks the southeast extremity of Morris Reef, which is off Point Hayes. Point Craven is about 1.2 miles southwest of Point Hayes.

, about 1.5 miles north of Point Hayes, is formed by a wooded hill that is off the general trend of the shore and to which it is connected by a low, narrow valley.

is a prominent light-colored rock off the edge of a flat at the mouth of a stream about 4 miles north of Point Hayes. A prominent valley extends inshore west of White Rock.

, on the west side of Chatham Strait, 11 miles north of Point Hayes, narrows slightly at its head. At the mouth of a large stream is a flat that extends about 400 yards into the head of the bay. The bay is exposed to the southeast, has a rocky bottom and depths of 12 to 40 fathoms and is not recommended as an anchorage. The midchannel course up the bay is clear.

 Tenakee Inlet to Long Bay

is on the west side of Chatham Strait, 97 miles north of Cape Ommaney. The entrance is between South Passage Point and East Point and is 2.5 miles wide. It has a general west direction for 10 miles and then west-northwest for 25 miles, narrowing near its head to about 0.3 mile. At its head is a flat 0.8 mile in extent, and on the south shore 4 to 7 miles from its head are three bights filled by flats. At 1.8 miles from the head of the inlet is a steep portage connecting with Port Frederick in Icy Strait. The depths in the inlet are great and the dangers easily avoided. A number of bays on the south side afford anchorage.

Anchorage may be made at the head of Tenakee Inlet near the sand flat in 7 to 10 fathoms; hard gravel and shell bottom.

 Currents

In Tenakee Inlet, south of Tenakee Springs, the current velocity is about 1 knot.

Tenakee Inlet Entrance Light 1 (), 33 feet above the water, is shown from a spindle with a square green daymark on a rock awash about 0.5 mile north of , the south entrance point to the inlet. A 4¼-fathom shoal is about 500 yards east of the light.

A 2¾-fathom shoal is in about 3 miles west-southwest from Tenakee Inlet Entrance Light 1.

A 2½-fathom shoal is on the south side of Tenakee Inlet about 5.2 miles west of Tenakee Inlet Entrance Light 1 in about A 3-foot shoal is about 0.4 mile southeast of the 2½-fathom shoal.

, the north point at the entrance to Tenakee Inlet, can be identified by a grassy knoll at its outer end. A 1¾-fathom spot extends about 0.4 miles south of East Point.

is on the north side of the inlet 4.5 miles west of Tenakee Inlet Entrance Light 1.

 Local magnetic disturbance

Differences of as much as 3° from the normal variation have been observed in the vicinity of Cannery Point.

A daybeacon marks a rock awash about 2.2 miles west of Cannery Point. A 3¼-fathom shoal is about 250 yards south of the rock.

In 1980, a logging camp was operating on the west side of Corner Bay, about 6.9 miles west of Tenakee Inlet Entrance Light 1. A log storage area is on the east side of the bay. The camp has a 60-foot small-craft and seaplane float and also mooring buoys. Radiotelephone communication is available at the camp.

, on the north side of Tenakee Inlet about 9 miles inside the entrance, is a community with a general store and warm springs.

A light marks the small islet close to the north shore about 0.6 mile east-southeast of Tenakee Springs.

, about 0.7 mile south-southwest of Tenakee Springs, is two separate rocks and marked by a light at the south end. The northerly rock is covered at high water. A rock, marked by a daybeacon, is 0.4 mile northwest of Tenakee Reef.

The community maintains a pier that accommodates passenger ferries. A marine fuel facility and an inactive crab cannery are at the outer end. The pier has a 64-foot face; 184 feet with dolphins. In 1980, depths of 20 feet were reported alongside. A 3-fathom shoal is about 170 yards south of the pier.

Gasoline, diesel fuel and water (during the summer) are available at the fuel facility, and limited amounts of provisions and fishing supplies can be obtained from the general store. Meals and lodging are available in the community. A 51-foot grid is on the east side of the approach pier to the small-craft floats.

State-maintained small-craft floats are about 0.5 mile east of the city pier at Tenakee Springs. The floats can accommodate craft on both sides, and are protected by two floating breakwaters. In 1980, depths of 10 to 25 feet were reported alongside the floats. A seaplane float and heliport are about 80 yards east of the city pier.

Tenakee Springs has scheduled seaplane service three times a week to Juneau. Ferry connections with Juneau and Sitka are available. Telephone and radiotelephone communications are available at the general store.

Kadashan Bay, on the south side of Tenakee Inlet opposite Tenakee Springs, is filled with a flat that bares.

, 4 miles southwest of Tenakee Springs, is on the south side of the inlet. The bay is navigable for vessels up to 100 feet long. The south side and the head of the bay have streams and mudflat areas. The north side of the bay is deep, with steep banks. Anchorage is available in the bay in 5 to 25 fathoms. A wooden, stone-filled logging jetty and a private seasonal mooring buoy are at the south side of the entrance to the bay. A 2½-fathom spot is immediately east of the mooring buoy.

, 3 miles northwest of Crab Bay, is navigable for vessels up to 80 feet long. The entrance is narrow but deep. Near the head, the bay opens into a small basin with depths ranging from 5 to 15 fathoms. A mudflat extends 1.2 miles from the head of the bay. Anchorage is available in the basin area in a soft mud and gravel bottom. A 4-fathom shoal is on the north side of the entrance to Saltery Bay in

Two small rocks, covered at half tide and marked by a daybeacon, are 0.7 mile from the northeast shore of Tenakee Inlet and 7.5 miles northwest of Tenakee Springs. In passing them, favor the south shore somewhat. A reef was reported to extend between these rocks and the northeast shore.

is on the south side of the inlet 10 miles west-northwest of Tenakee Springs. A 7-fathom shoal and a 1½-fathom shoal are in the entrance to Seal Bay in about , and , respectively. A 5¾-fathom shoal is east of the 6¾-fathom shoal in about A flat extends 0.8 mile from its head, and a rock, covered at high water, is near the middle of the bay 1.5 miles inside the entrance. The depths are 19 to 29 fathoms, soft bottom, between the rock and the flat, a distance of about 0.8 mile.

is on the southwest side 2.5 miles northwest of Seal Bay. From the northwest point at the entrance, a reef, covered at half tide, extends east about 0.5 mile. A 3½-fathom spot is in about the middle of the entrance to Long Bay in about The bay has depths of 5 to 15 fathoms, mud bottom, affording secure anchorage. A mudflat extends 0.6 mile from the head.

Upper Tenakee Inlet above Long Bay is navigable to within 1 mile of the head. A portage, on the north shore of upper Tenakee Inlet, provides a connection to Port Frederick in Icy Straits for boats small enough to be carried 300 yards over land.

 Freshwater Bay to Point Marsden

, about 4 miles north of Tenakee Inlet Entrance Light 1 (), has its entrance on the west side of Chatham Strait between East Point and North Passage Point. It extends 11 miles northwest, terminating in a sand flat with a large stream. Heide Rock, a bare rock about 8 feet high and about 0.5 mile from the north shore, is 3.5 miles inside North Passage Point. A rock awash is about 0.5 mile northwest of the rock. are in the middle of the bay about 5.9 miles inside North Passage Point. A rock covered 13 feet is about 0.7 mile north-northeast of the east end of the easternmost island. A rock awash is about 0.5 mile northwest of the westernmost island. The main bay has no anchorages, but small vessels may find temporary anchorage at the head of the bay or off the flats at mouths of streams, of which there are several.

, the north point at the entrance to Freshwater Bay, is long, low, level, wooded and distinctive from other points in the vicinity. Kelp usually extends for more than 100 yards off the end of the point.

is a small bight on the southwest side of Freshwater Bay, 2 miles northwest of East Point. The cove is almost filled with a flat and has a small stream at its head. A fair-weather anchorage may be made between the points at the entrance to the cove in 4 to 10 fathoms.

is about 3 miles northwest of Wachusett Cove. A large stream enters the southwest part of the harbor. A reef, covered at half tide, extends about 175 yards from the east point at the entrance, and the entire east side of the bay is bordered by a flat 250 yards wide. Pinnacle Rock, covered at half tide, is about 400 yards from the west shore halfway up the bay. Anchorage may be made outside the rock in about 15 fathoms and in the middle between the rock and the southeast shore. The clear anchorage is 350 yards wide in 5 to 12 fathoms, sand and rock bottom. The shelter is good, and the harbor is easily entered, though in strong west or north weather the wind draws down the bay with considerable force.

, on the south side of Freshwater Bay 1.2 miles northwest of Pavlof Harbor, affords good shelter for small craft drawing less than 10 feet, but its entrances are very narrow and foul.

is close north of the entrance to Freshwater Bay, from which it is separated by a long, narrow, wooded peninsula, terminating in North Passage Point. It does not afford shelter except from offshore winds but can be used temporarily by anchoring about 0.5 mile from the south shore in 23 fathoms.

, 5 miles north of Iyoukeen Cove, is an open bight with deep water. Fair emergency anchorage for small craft may be found in its south part in 3 to 5 fathoms, rocky bottom.

, on the west side of Chatham Strait at its junction with Icy Strait, is marked by Point Augusta Light (), 48 feet above the water and shown from a square frame with red and white diamond-shaped daymark on the point.

is on the east side of Chatham Strait opposite Point Augusta. About 0.8 mile south-southwest of Point Marsden is Chatham Strait Light 20 (), 35 feet above the water and shown from a square frame with a red triangle daymark.

 Hawk Inlet

has its entrance on the east side of Chatham Strait 10 miles southeast of Rocky Island Light 13 (). It has a north direction for a distance of 5 miles from its mouth. It then contracts and changes to a northeast direction, terminating in a basin about 1 mile in diameter.

The Captain of the Port, Southeast Alaska, has issued guidelines for the movement of all deep draft vessels in and out of Hawk Inlet. Vessels of no more than 600 feet in length with a beam of no more than 100 feet may arrive/depart Hawk Inlet only 30 minutes before and after slack water during daylight hours, in conditions of good visibility and weather with an under-the-keel clearance of no less than 8 feet.

A foul area, marked by kelp and bare at low water, extends about 0.2 mile south of Hawk Point. The entrance to the inlet is marked by a daybeacon, a buoy and a light.

Piledriver Cove, which dries, is on the south side of the inlet at the entrance. Two small islets are on the west side of the entrance to the cove; submerged pilings are in the entrance in about Another small cove, about 0.6 mile southwest of Piledriver Cove, offers good anchorage for small craft in all but northwest winds in 9 to 13 fathoms. A ledge extends 0.2 mile northwest from the southwest entrance point; another ledge, bare at half tide, is in the middle of the entrance. A deep channel is on each side of the ledge in the middle of the entrance, but the channel on the northeast side is better. The anchorage is in the middle of the cove, about 300 yards southeast of the ledge.

Two streams enter Hawk Inlet on its east side about 0.8 mile above the entrance, and form an extensive flat extending two-thirds of the way across the inlet; the west edge is marked by a light. The channel between the light and the west shore is about 100 yards wide with 4 fathoms in the middle. The centerline of the channel is indicated by the range in Piledriver Cove. Once on the range, steer towards Hawk Inlet Entrance Light (), giving the two lights marking the shoal on the east side of the channel a berth of 120 yards, then favor the west shore for about 0.7 mile.

Ruins of a cannery are on the east side of Hawk Inlet about 1.4 miles north of the light.

An abandoned fuel pier (), with a 45-foot face, has 10 feet alongside. A small-craft and seaplane float with 4 feet alongside is about 300 yards south of the pier. During summer, water and the use of a radiotelephone are available from a caretaker in an emergency.

 Anchorages

Anchorage for shallow-draft vessels can be had in 4 to 6 fathoms in the basin at the head of the inlet. Extensive mud flats surround the anchorage. The channel leading to the basin has a least depth of 2½ fathoms. To make the channel, keep off the east shore by about 0.1 mile. The channel is winding with strong currents and should not be attempted without local knowledge.

 Currents

Tide rips and currents of considerable velocity are reported in the entrance, east and southeast of the entrance buoy. The maximum flood and ebb is at the light marking the flat and is estimated to at least 4 knots. Mariners with deep-draft vessels should make transits during slack water. The ebb current at the fuel pier has very little velocity; the flood is reported to set slightly toward the pier.

For planning, not navigation. Verify current information before departure.