Notice

04/15/2025 01:40 PM

Notice to Mariners

 Erie Canal – Crescent and Vischer Ferry

April 15, 2025

 

      Spring Seasonal Installation of Flashboards at Crescent & Vischer Ferry Dams Begins April 22

 

The New York Power Authority, working with BIDCO Marine Group, will install flashboards at Crescent & Vischer Ferry dams starting Tuesday, April 22, 2025. These activities will cause fluctuations in water levels which may affect marinas, boats and docks.

The schedule is as follows:

 

Monday, April 21 Overnight: A gradual drawdown begins at Vischer Ferry as water levels between Mohawk River / Erie Canal Lock E7 and E8 are lowered. Water levels will drop between 6 inches and 2 feet, depending on river flows at the time. The water drawdown is completed by Tuesday morning. (Elevation 211.0’ Barge Canal Datum)

 

Tuesday, April 22 Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approx. 6 inches. Fish Deterrent system is installed. Flashboards are installed on Dam F. (Elevation 210.5’ BCD)

Evening: Water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approx. 6 inches. (Elevation 211.0’ BCD)

 

Wednesday, April 23 Morning: water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approx. 6 inches. Flashboards are installed on Dam D. (Elevation 210.5’ BCD).

Evening: Water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approx. 6 inches. (Elevation 211.0’ BCD)

 

Thursday, April 24 Morning: water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approx. 6 inches. Flashboards are installed on Dam E. (Elevation 210.5’ BCD).

Evening: Water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approx. 6 inches. (Elevation 211.0’ BCD)

 

Friday, April 25 Water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at dam crest. Work Barge transits to Crescent Project. (Elevation 211.0’ BCD)

Monday, April 28 Water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at dam crest. BIDCO mobilizes. (Elevation 211.0’ BCD)

 

Tuesday, April 29 Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry rise from elevation 211.0’ BCD to 213.3’ BCD, navigation season levels.

A drawdown begins at Crescent as water levels between Mohawk River / Erie Canal Lock E6 and E7 are lowered. Water levels will drop between 6 inches and 2 feet, depending on river flows at the time, to 6 inches below dam crest. (Elevation 183.5’ BCD)

Afternoon: Installation of flashboards completed at Crescent.

Evening: Water levels at Crescent rise to top of flashboards, navigation season levels, as river flow permits.

(Elevation 185.0’ BCD)

 

Wednesday, April 30 Morning: water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at navigation season levels. Work Barge transits to Vischer Ferry Project. Downstream Boat Denial Line installed. (Elevation 213.1’ BCD)

Thursday, May 1 Morning: water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at navigation season levels. Upstream Boat Denial Line mooring buoys installed. (Elevation 213.1’ BCD)

 

Friday, May 2 Morning: water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at navigation season levels. Upstream Boat Denial Line buoy lines installed.

(Elevation 213.1’ BCD)

 

Barring any complications or inclement weather, flashboard installation will be completed by Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Unforeseen precipitation and/or high-water conditions may delay this schedule. Should you have any questions, please contact Steve Ramsey at 518- 469-4998.

*BCD refers to Barge Canal Datum

The Canal Corporation urges all users and stakeholders to register to receive updates through the Notice to Mariners notification program by clicking here.

For general news, please visit www.canals.ny.gov or follow the Canal Corporation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

In case of emergencies, please call the Canal Corporation’s Emergency Call Center at 833-538-1042.