Notice

06/29/2025 04:03 PM

Notice to Mariners

NYPA and Canal Corporation to Reinstall Flashboards at Vischer Ferry Project, Open Juvenile Fish Passage on Wednesday, July 2

Activities to Cause Fluctuations in Water Levels

June 29,2025

 

 

The New York Power Authority (NYPA), working with the New York State Canal Corporation (Canals), will re-install flashboards at the Vischer Ferry dams beginning Wednesday, July 2. The flashboards, used to regulate water levels at the hydroelectric power plants, seasonally raise the pond level upstream of the Vischer Ferry dams for navigation purposes. Due to excessive rainfall since the flashboards’ initial installation in April, the flashboards must be re-installed to protect the dams and control downstream flooding in the event of future high-flow conditions. The re-installation will cause fluctuations in water levels that may affect marinas, boats and docks.

 

Additionally, NYPA and Canals will close the adult fish passage and open the juvenile fish passage at the dams.

 

The Vischer Ferry Dam (Lock 7) spans the Mohawk River between Vischer Ferry in Saratoga County and Niskayuna in Schenectady County.

 

The flashboard re-installation schedule:

 

Tuesday, July 1:

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 will be completed by Wednesday morning. (Elevation 211’ Barge Canal Datum [BCD])

 

Wednesday, July 2:       

Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry will drop approximately six inches and flashboards will be re-installed on Dam D. Damaged flashboards on Dam F will be repaired, and the juvenile fish passage will be opened. Damaged flashboards will be repaired on Dam E. (Elevation 210.5’ BCD)

 

Evening: Water levels at Vischer Ferry will return to normal navigation season levels in approximately 24 to 48 hours, depending on the river flow. (Elevation 213.1’ BCD) 

 

Barring any complications or inclement weather, the opening of the fish passage and planned flashboard repairs will be completed by Wednesday, July 2.  Unforeseen precipitation and/or high-water conditions may delay this schedule.

 

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.

 

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