For Immediate Release:
11/20/18
Contact:
Maura Balaban, NYPA
| maura.balaban@nypa.gov | (914) 390-8171
FALL SEASONAL REMOVAL OF FLASHBOARDS AT CRESCENT AND VISCHER FERRY DAMS BEGINS NOV. 25
ALBANY—The New York Power Authority (NYPA), working with the New York State Canal Corporation, will oversee the water drawdown for the seasonal removal of flashboards at Vischer Ferry and Crescent dams beginning on Sunday, Nov. 25. Flashboards, used to regulate water levels at the hydroelectric power plants, seasonally raise the pond level upstream of the Crescent and Vischer Ferry Dams. These activities will affect water levels which may affect marinas, boats and docks.
The Vischer Ferry Dam (Lock 7) spans the Mohawk River between Vischer Ferry, Saratoga County, and Niskayuna, Schenectady County. The Crescent Dam (Lock 6) is between Waterford, Saratoga County, and Colonie, Albany County.
The schedule is:
Sunday & Monday, Nov. 25 & 26:
PM water levels at Vischer Ferry gradually drop approximately 2 to 2.5 feet below water levels normally observed during the canal navigation season. (Elevation 211.0’ Barge Canal Datum)
Tuesday, Nov. 27:
AM water levels at Vischer Ferry gradually rise approximately 2 to 2.5 feet to top of flashboards. (Elevation 213.1’ Barge Canal Datum).
AM water levels at Crescent gradually drop approximately 2 ft., (Elevation 183.5’ Barge Canal Datum). Removal of flashboards at Crescent is completed.
PM water levels at Crescent rise approximately 3 inches to non-navigation season levels. (Elevation 183.8’ Barge Canal Datum).
Overnight: Another gradual 2 to 2.5 foot drawdown begins at Vischer Ferry. Drawdown is completed by Wednesday morning. (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum).
Wednesday, Nov. 28:
AM water levels at Vischer Ferry remain lowered to accommodate removal of flashboard and fish deterrent systems. (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum).
PM water levels rise approximately 7 inches. (Elevation 211.1’ Barge Canal Datum).
Thursday, Nov. 29:
AM water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approximately 7 inches. Removal of flashboards is completed. (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum).
PM water levels rise approximately 3 inches to non-navigation season levels. (Elevation 210.8’ Barge Canal Datum).
Barring any complications or inclement weather, the removal of the flashboards will be completed by Nov. 29. Unforeseen precipitation and high water conditions may delay this schedule. Any questions regarding this work should be directed to Mario Roefaro, New York Power Authority at 315-792-8335.
About the NYPA
NYPA is the nation's largest state public power organization, through the operation of its 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. More than 70 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter @NYPAenergy, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, and LinkedIn.
About the New York State Canal Corporation
New York’s canal system includes four historic canals: the Erie, Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga-Seneca. Spanning 524 miles, the waterway links the Hudson River with the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakes and Lake Champlain. The canals form the backbone of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and connect hundreds of unique and historic communities. In 2018, New York is celebrating the bicentennial of the start of the Erie Canal’s construction.
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