Notice to Mariners
Erie Canal – Cresent & Vischer Ferry
October 25, 2019
FALL SEASONAL REMOVAL OF FLASHBOARDS AT CRESCENT AND
VISCHER FERRY DAMS BEGINS NOV. 3
ALBANY—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will oversee the water drawdown to remove the flashboards at the Vischer Ferry and Crescent dams beginning on Sunday, Nov. 3. Flashboards, used to regulate water levels at the hydroelectric power plants, seasonally raise the pond level upstream of the Crescent and Vischer Ferry Dams for navigation purposes. These activities will cause fluctuations in 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. 3 & 4:
PM water levels at Vischer Ferry gradually drop approximately 2 to 3 feet below water levels normally observed during the canal navigation season. (Elevation 211.0’ Barge Canal Datum)
Tuesday, Nov. 5:
AM water levels at Vischer Ferry gradually rise approximately 2 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 4 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. 6:
AM water levels at Vischer Ferry remain lowered to accommodate flashboard removal work. (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum).
PM water levels rise approximately 7 inches. (Elevation 211.1’ Barge Canal Datum).
Thursday, Nov. 7:
AM water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approximately 7 inches to accommodate flashboard removal work. (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum).
PM water levels rise approximately 7 inches to. (Elevation 211.1’ Barge Canal Datum).
Friday, Nov. 8:
AM water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approximately 7 inches to accommodate flashboard removal work. (Elevation 210.5 Barge Canal Datum)
PM water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approximately 4 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. 8. Unforeseen precipitation and high water conditions may delay this schedule.
To enhance public safety and in cooperation with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the New York Power Authority will be taking advantage of the off-season to install a boat barrier across the Mohawk River at the Vischer Ferry Project. The boat barrier will help guide boats to the lock and prevent boaters from approaching too close to the Vischer Ferry dam. NYPA is also installing a boom to prevent debris and ice from clogging the power house inlet. The work is expected to be completed by the end of November.
Any questions regarding this work should be directed to Steve Ramsey, New York Power Authority at 518-433-6741.
Chart 14786 E-39 showing the affected area can be found at http://www.canals.ny.gov/navinfo/charts/14786e39.png
Features along the eastern portion of the Erie Canal are listed by mileage at http://www.canals.ny.gov/wwwapps/navinfo/navinfo.aspx?waterway=erieeastern
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