Notice to Mariners
Erie Canal – Crescent & Vischer Ferry
October 23, 2020
FALL SEASONAL REMOVAL OF FLASHBOARDS AT CRESCENT AND
VISCHER FERRY DAMS BEGINS NOV. 1
ALBANY—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will oversee the water drawdown to remove the flashboards at the Vischer Ferry and Crescent dams beginning on Sunday, Nov. 1. The Flashboards, used to regulate water levels at the hydroelectric power plants, seasonally raise the pond level upstream of the Crescent and Vischer Ferry Dams for navigation purposes. The Vischer Ferry Boat Barrier Line, used to prevent boats from approaching too close to the dam, will also be removed and placed in winter storage at this time. These activities will cause fluctuations in water levels which may affect marinas, boats and docks.
The Vischer Ferry Dam (Lock 7) spans the Mohawk River between Vischer Ferry, Saratoga County, and Niskayuna, Schenectady County. The Crescent Dam (Lock 6) is between Waterford, Saratoga County, and Colonie, Albany County.
The schedule is:
Sunday & Monday, Nov. 1 & 2:
PM water levels at Vischer Ferry gradually drop approximately 2 to 3 feet below water levels normally observed during the canal navigation season. (Elevation 211.0’ Barge Canal Datum)
Tuesday, Nov. 3:
AM water levels at Vischer Ferry gradually rise approximately 2 feet to top of flashboards. (Elevation 213.1’ Barge Canal Datum).
AM water levels at Crescent gradually drop approximately 2 ft. (Elevation 183.5’ Barge Canal Datum). Removal of flashboards at Crescent is completed.
PM water levels at Crescent rise approximately 4 inches to non-navigation season levels. (Elevation 183.8’ Barge Canal Datum).
Overnight: Water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at Navigation Season levels. (Elevation 213.1’ Barge Canal Datum).
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Nov. 4-7:
Water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at Navigation Season levels to accommodate removal of the Boat Barrier line. (Elevation 213.1 Barge Canal Datum).
Sunday, Nov. 8:
Work Suspended Water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at Navigation Season levels (Elevation 213.1 Barge Canal Datum).
Monday, Nov. 9:
AM water levels at Vischer Ferry are lowered approx. 4 inches to accommodate removal of the Fish Deterrent from Vischer Ferry forebay. (Elevation 212.8’ Barge Canal Datum)
PM water levels gradually drop approximately 2 feet between Mohawk River / Erie Canal Lock E7. The water drawdown is completed by Tuesday morning. (Elevation 211.0’ Barge Canal Datum)
Tuesday, Nov. 10:
AM water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approximately 6 inches to accommodate removal of flashboards (Dam F) and remaining fish deterrent system. (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum).
PM water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approximately 7 inches to non-Navigation season levels (Elevation 211.1’ Barge Canal Datum).
Wednesday, Nov. 11:
AM water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approximately 7 inches to accommodate removal of flashboards (Dam D). (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum).
PM water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approximately 7 inches to non-Navigation season levels (Elevation 211.1’ Barge Canal Datum).
Thursday, Nov. 12:
AM water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approximately 7 inches to accommodate removal of flashboards (Dam E). (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum).
PM water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approximately 7 inches to non-Navigation season levels (Elevation 210.8’ Barge Canal Datum).
Friday, Nov. 13 – Contingency Day
AM Work continues on flashboards at Vischer Ferry if necessary. (Elevation 210.8’ Barge Canal Datum).
PM water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approximately 7 inches to non-Navigation season levels (Elevation 210.8’ Barge Canal Datum).
Barring any complications or inclement weather, the removal of the flashboards will be completed by Nov. 13. 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 518-433-6741.
A chart 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