Notice to Mariners
SPRING FLASHBOARDS TO BE INSTALLED AT CRESCENT DAM
BEGINNING JUNE 25
REVISED ACCELERATED
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 Crescent dams beginning on Friday, June 26. 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 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.
Thursday, June 25:
Overnight at Crescent, a drawdown begins as water levels between the Erie Canal Locks E-6 and E-7, are lowered. Water levels will drop approximately 6 inches 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).
Friday, June 26:
Morning water levels at Crescent remain 6 inches below dam crest as flashboards are installed (Elevation: 183,5’ Barge Canal Datum). 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 Crescent pond rise to top of flashboards, navigation season levels, as river flows permit. (Elevation: 185.0’ 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 boom (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum). Evening water levels at Vischer Ferry rise to navigation season levels, from Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum to Elevation 213.3’ Barge Canal Datum, as river flows permit.
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 Friday, June 26. 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.
For updates and information, please visit Canals.NY.gov or follow us on Facebook or Twitter