Dorena-Hickman ferry closed by low water

Because of low water levels on the Mississippi River, the Dorena Hickman ferry is out of service today until further notice.

For the ferry to operate, the river needs a minimum 6.5 feet at the Hickman gauge to reach the lower level of the ramp. As of 4 a.m. Thursday the river was at 6.3 feet.

Such low water levels have been common for the past several years on the Mississippi in late summer and beyond. Last year the ferry was forced to shut down for a time after August 20.

2023 was even more problematic for Mississippi River barges and ferry traffic. The river was already very low by the end of June, and the ferry had to close til further notice on August 23. The river fell several more feet through the fall, and the ferry remained closed until the new year.

In 2022, the Mississippi saw some record low levels and the ferry was frequently closed for much of August and September.

Ferry operators will notify commuters on their Facebook page when the river level rises high enough for the ferry to get back in service.