Notice to Mariners
Erie Canal – Crescent and Vischer Ferry
June 17, 2020
SPRING FLASHBOARDS TO BE INSTALLED AT CRESCENT AND
VISCHER FERRY DAMS BEGINNING JUNE 22
Work to Ready Waterway for Recreational Boating this Season
ALBANY—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will oversee the water drawdown to install flashboards at the Vischer Ferry and Crescent dams beginning on Monday, June 22. Flashboards are plastic and/or wooden planks that are installed in the spring to raise water levels upstream of the dams for navigation purposes. These activities will affect water levels which may affect marinas, boats and docks.
This work is moving forward in New York’s Capital Region, consistent with Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s NY Forward Reopening Plan to accommodate local recreational boating and the upcoming opening of the New York State Canal system. All workers will follow strict Covid-19 prevention precautions. (Visit the New York State Canal Corporation’s website for up-to-date announcements on the phased re-opening of the Canal system.) The drawdowns will also accommodate installation of a debris guard and fish deterrent systems to guide juvenile fish away from the powerhouse.
The Vischer Ferry Dam (Lock E-7) spans the Erie Canal and Mohawk River between Vischer Ferry, Saratoga County, and Niskayuna, Schenectady County. The Crescent Dam (Lock E-6) is between Waterford, Saratoga County, and Colonie, Albany County.
Monday, June 22:
A gradual drawdown begins at the Vischer Ferry Dam as water levels between Erie Canal Locks E-7 and E-8 (Scotia) drop between 6 inches and 2 feet (depending on river flows) below water levels normally observed during the canal non-navigation season. (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum).
Tuesday, June 23:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approximately 7 inches. Fish deterrent system is installed. Flashboards are installed on Dams F and D. (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum). Evening: Water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approximately 7 inches. (Elevation 211.1’ Barge Canal Datum).
Wednesday, June 24:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approximately 7 inches to allow for installation of flashboards at Dam E (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum). Evening water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approximately 7 inches. (Elevation 211.1’ Barge Canal Datum).
Thursday, June 25:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approximately 7 inches to allow for contingent work, (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum). Evening water levels at the Vischer Ferry Dam rise approximately 7 inches (Elevation 211.1’ Barge Canal Datum).
Friday, June 26:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approximately 7 inches to facilitate ice boom work (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum). Evening water levels at the Vischer Ferry Dam rise approximately 7 inches (Elevation 211.1’ Barge Canal Datum).
Monday, June 29:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approximately 7 inches to facilitate ice boom work (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum). Evening water levels at the Vischer Ferry Dam rise approximately 7 inches (Elevation 211.1’ Barge Canal Datum).
Tuesday, June 30:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approximately 7 inches to facilitate installation of debris guard (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum). Evening water levels at the Vischer Ferry Dam rise approximately 7 inches (Elevation 211.1’ Barge Canal Datum).
Wednesday, July 1:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry rise to navigation season levels, from Elevation 211.1’ Barge Canal Datum to Elevation 213.3’ Barge Canal Datum.
At Crescent, a drawdown begins as water levels between the Erie Canal Locks E-6 and E-7, are lowered. Water levels will drop between 6 inches and 2 feet, depending on river flows, to 6 inches below the dam crest to accommodate the installation of flashboards at Crescent Dam (Elevation 183.5 Barge Canal Datum). Evening water levels at Crescent pond rise to top of flashboards, navigation season levels, as river flows permit. (Elevation: 185.0’ Barge Canal Datum).
NYPA is continuing to take proactive measures to protect the health of its employees, and communities in which it operates, by limiting situations where the Covid-19 virus could potentially be transmitted. Through an Incident Command Structure, NYPA is monitoring the pandemic and is adjusting plans and procedures as necessary. To find more information on New York State’s COVID-19 response plan, please visit ny.gov. New York State’s criteria for reopening are available in Governor Cuomo’s NY Forward plan. Information on protecting yourself and your loved ones from the virus can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus website or on the World Health Organization’s website.
Barring any complications or inclement weather, the installation of the flashboards will be completed by Wednesday, July 1. Unforeseen precipitation and high water conditions may delay this schedule. Any questions regarding this work should be directed to Steve Ramsey, New York Power Authority at 518-496-4998, email: Stephen.ramsey@nypa.gov.
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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
For updates and information, please visit Canals.NY.gov or follow us on Facebook or Twitter