Notice

05/30/2025 04:13 PM

Notice to Mariners 

New York State Canal System Update

May 30, 2025 

 

The New York State Canal Corporation today announced the following update:

 

Erie Canal Infrastructure Repairs

Critical repairs to the Rocky Rift movable dam west of Lock E-16 in St. Johnsville are expected to be completed this weekend.  Once the dam is operational again, the Canal Corporation will raise the navigation pool between Lock E-16 and Lock E-17 in Little Falls. The pool will be filled slowly to monitor how the earthen embankment reacts as it holds water at the normal navigation level.  

If additional work is required on the embankment, the temporary closure of this section may be extended beyond the original estimate of June 11 - 18. More information will be shared after the water level is raised and monitored.

Additional work on the Rocky Rift movable dam will occur later this season.  Additional information about those repairs will be shared in advance of the work.

High Water Closures

 

The Erie Canal at Lock E-24 in Baldwinsville and Lock E-25 in Mays Point, and Cayuga-Seneca Canal Lock CS-1 remain closed to navigation due to high water and unsafe flows.

 

Champlain Canal Summit Level Depth

 

The summit level of the Champlain Canal between Lock C-8 in Fort Edward and C-9 in Smith’s Basin is still being filled via the Glens Falls Feeder Canal. Vessels with eight feet of draft or less may transit through this section.

Additional Information for Mariners

A map of the New York State Canal system displaying the open and closed sections is available here. https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/newyorkpowe2bd0-canalsf418-productionbf60-c829/media/Files/Navinfo/CanalClosure_5-23.pdf

Boaters who are navigating the open sections of the Canal system should be aware of floating debris generated by recent heavy rainfall and proceed with caution, at a "No Wake" speed as some debris may be hard to see. Some buoys (Aids to Navigation) may be off station and are being relocated by Canal Corporation employees.  

Mariners are advised to check the Canal Corporation’s Notice to Mariners for the latest information and to plan their itineraries accordingly as sections of the Canal system open to ensure dock space and amenities are available.

 

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

 

To report an issue or incident along the Canal system, please call the Canal Corporation’s Emergency Call Center at 833-538-1042.