Notice to Mariners
Erie Canal – Cresent & Vischer Ferry
November 8, 2019
SECOND REVISION: FALL SEASONAL REMOVAL OF FLASHBOARDS AT CRESCENT AND
VISCHER FERRY DAMS BEGINS NOV. 9
The New York Power Authority, working with James H. Maloy, Inc., will remove flashboards at the Crescent & Vischer Ferry dams starting Monday, November 11, 2019. These activities will cause fluctuations in water levels which may affect marinas, boats and docks. The schedule is as follows:
Saturday, November 9 & Sunday, November 10
A gradual drawdown begins at Vischer Ferry as water levels between Mohawk River / Erie Canal Lock E7 and Lock E8 are lowered. Water levels will drop between 2 and 3 feet, depending on river flows at the time. The water drawdown is completed by Monday morning. (Elevation 211.0’ Barge Canal Datum)
Monday, November 11 Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry gradually rise approximately 2 feet to top of flashboards (normal navigation season level). (Elevation 213.1’ BCD)
Morning: 2-foot drawdown is started at Crescent as water levels between Mohawk River / Erie Canal Lock E6 and Lock E7 begin lowering. Removal of flashboards at Crescent is completed. (Elevation 183.5’ BCD)
Afternoon: Water levels at Crescent rise approximately 4 inches, to non-navigation season levels. (183.8’)
Tuesday, November 12 Morning: Work barge travels from Lock 6 / Crescent Project to Lock 7 / Vischer Ferry Project.
Overnight: Another 2 to 2.5 foot drawdown begins at Vischer Ferry as water levels between Mohawk River / Erie Canal Lock E7 and Lock E8 lower a second time. The water drawdown is completed by Wednesday morning. (Elevation 210.5’ BCD)
Wednesday, November 13 Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry at 6 inches below dam crest. Flashboards are removed on Vischer Ferry Dam D. (Elevation 210.5’ BCD)
Afternoon: Fish Deterrent system is removed. Flashboards are removed on Dam F. (Elevation 210.5’ BCD)
Evening: Water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approx. 7 inches. (Elevation 211.1’ BCD)
Thursday, November 14 Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approx. 7 inches. Flashboards are removed on Dam E. (Elevation 210.5’ BCD)
Evening: Water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approximately 4 inches, to non-navigation season levels. (210.8’)
Friday, November 15 Morning: Reserved as a Contingency Day. If required, water levels at Vischer Ferry drop to 210.5 BCD. Any outstanding flashboards work is completed. (Elevation 210.5’ BCD)
Evening: Water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approximately 4 inches, to non-navigation season levels. (210.8’)
Barring any complications or inclement weather, flashboard removal will be completed by Friday, November 15, 2019. Unforeseen precipitation and/or high water conditions may delay this schedule. Should you have any questions, please contact me at 518- 287-6340.
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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