Notice to Mariners
Erie Canal – Vischer Ferry
November 20, 2019
FALL SEASONAL REMOVAL OF FLASHBOARDS CONTINUES AT
VISCHER FERRY DAM BEGINNING SUNDAY, NOV 24.
ALBANY—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will oversee the water drawdown to remove the flashboards at the Vischer Ferry beginning on Sunday, Nov. 24. 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 schedule is:
Sunday, Nov. 24:
PM water levels at Vischer Ferry gradually drop approximately 2 to 2.5 feet below water levels normally observed during the canal navigation season. The water drawdown is completed by Monday AM. (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum)
Monday, Nov. 25:
AM water levels at Vischer Ferry remain lowered to accommodate flashboard removal at Dams D and F, and the removal of the fish deterrent system. (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum).
PM water levels rise approximately 7 inches. (Elevation 211.1’ Barge Canal Datum).
Tuesday, Nov. 26:
AM water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approximately 7 inches to accommodate flashboard removal at Dam E. (Elevation 210.5 Barge Canal Datum).
PM water levels at Vischer Ferry rise to approximately 4 inches to non-navigation season levels. (210.8 Barge Canal Datum).
Barring any complications or inclement weather, the removal of the flashboards will be completed by Wednesday, Nov. 27. 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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