Notice to Mariners
Flashboard Removal at Crescent & Vischer Ferry Projects
October 19, 2022
Fall Seasonal Removal of Flashboards at Crescent & Vischer Ferry Dams Begins October 30
WHITE PLAINS—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will oversee the water drawdown to remove the flashboards at the Vischer Ferry and Crescent dams beginning Sunday, October 30. The 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 that may affect marinas, boats and docks.
Prior to the flashboard work, during the week of Oct. 24, crews will be on the Mohawk River to remove the Vischer Ferry Boat Barrier Line, used to prevent boats from approaching too close to the dam. This work is NOT expected to cause fluctuations in the water levels.
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 flashboard removal schedule is:
Sunday, October 30:
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 to be completed by Monday morning. (Elevation 211.0’ BCD)
Monday, October 31:
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: Work barge travels from Lock 6 / Crescent Project to Lock 7 / Vischer Ferry Project. Water levels at Crescent rise approximately 4 inches, to non-navigation season levels. (183.8’)
Overnight: A second drawdown begins at Vischer Ferry as water levels between Mohawk River / Erie Canal Lock E7 and Lock E8 are lowered. Water levels will drop approximately 2 feet, depending on river flows at the time. The water drawdown is to be completed by Tuesday morning. (Elevation 211.0’ BCD)
Tuesday, November 1:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approximately 7 inches. Flashboards are removed on Dam D. (Elevation 210.5’ BCD)
Evening: Water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approximately 7 inches. (Elevation 211.1’ BCD)
Wednesday, November 2:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry are lowered approximately 6 inches. Fish deterrent system components are removed from Vischer Ferry forebay. Flashboards are removed on Dam F. (Elevation 210.5’ BCD)
Evening: Water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approximately 7 inches. (Elevation 211.1’ BCD)
Thursday, November 3:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approximately 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 4 – Contingency Day:
Morning work continues on flashboards at Vischer Ferry if necessary. (Elevation 210.8’ BCD).
*BCD refers to Barge Canal Datum
Barring any complications or inclement weather, flashboard removal will be completed by Friday, November 4, 2022. Unforeseen precipitation and high-water conditions may delay this schedule.
In case of emergencies, please call the Canal Corporation Emergency Call Center at: (833) 538-1042.
For updates and information, please visit Canals.NY.gov or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.