Notice to Mariners
Erie Canal – Vischer Ferry and Crescent
August 6, 2021
Due to recent high water on the Mohawk River, the New York Power Authority, working with the Canal Corporation, will be replacing damaged flashboard pins at the Crescent and Vischer Ferry Projects starting August 11, 2021. During this work the adult fish passage at Vischer Ferry will be closed and the juvenile fish passage will be opened. These activities will cause fluctuations in water levels which may affect marinas, boats, and docks. The schedule is as follows:
Tuesday, August 10 Afternoon / Evening: 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 2 feet and 3 feet, depending on river flows at the time. The water drawdown is completed by Wednesday morning. (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum)
Wednesday, August 11 Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approx. 7 inches. Flashboard pins are replaced on Dam D. Flashboard pins are replaced on Dam F. The juvenile passage is opened on Dam F. (Elevation 210.5’ BCD)
Evening: Water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approx. 7 inches. (Elevation 211.1’ BCD)
Thursday, August 12 Morning: water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approx. 7 inches. Flashboards pins are replaced as needed on Dam E. (Elevation 210.5’ BCD).
Afternoon: Work Barge transits to Crescent Project.
Evening: Water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approx. 7 inches. (Elevation 211.1’ BCD)
Friday, August 13 Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry rise from elevation 211.1’ BCD to 213.3’ BCD, navigation season levels.
A drawdown begins at Crescent as water levels between Mohawk River / Erie Canal Lock E6 and E7 are lowered. Water levels will drop approximately 2 feet, depending on river flows at the time, to 6 inches below dam crest. (Elevation 183.5’ BCD)
Afternoon: Replacement of damaged flashboard pins is completed at Crescent.
Evening: Water levels at Crescent pond rise to top of flashboards, navigation season levels, as river flow permits. (Elevation 185.0’ BCD)
Barring any complications or inclement weather, flashboard repairs will be completed by Friday, August 13, 2021. Unforeseen precipitation and/or high-water conditions may delay this schedule. Should you have any questions, please contact Ted Westerling at 518 461-0942.
*BCD refers to Barge Canal Datum
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
The Canal Corporation urges all users to register to receive updates through the "Notice to Mariners" notification program at www.canals.ny.gov.
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