Notice to Mariners
Erie Canal – Vischer Ferry and Crescent
October 29, 2021
FALL SEASONAL REMOVAL OF FLASHBOARDS AT CRESCENT AND
VISCHER FERRY DAMS RESCHEDULED
The New York Power Authority, working with James H. Maloy, Inc., will remove flashboards at the Crescent & Vischer Ferry dams starting Friday, October 29, 2021. The Vischer Ferry Boat Denial Lines 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 schedule is as follows:
Friday, October 29 Water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at navigation season levels. Work on removal and storage of Vischer Ferry Boat Denial Line continues. (Elevation 213.1’ BCD)
Saturday, October 30 & Sunday, October 31
Water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at navigation season levels. (Elevation 213.1’ BCD)
Monday, November 1 Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at navigation season levels. Work on removal and storage of Vischer Ferry Boat Denial Line completed. (Elevation 213.1’ BCD)
Afternoon: Work barge travels from Lock 7 / Vischer Ferry Project to Lock 6 / Crescent Project.
Evening: A gradual drawdown begins at Vischer Ferry as water levels between Mohawk River / Erie Canal Lock E7 and Lock E8 are lowered. Water levels will drop between 2 and 3 feet, depending on river flows at the time. The water drawdown is completed by Tuesday morning. (Elevation 211.0’ Barge Canal Datum)
Tuesday, November 2 Morning: water levels at Vischer Ferry gradually rise approximately 2 feet to top of flashboards (normal navigation season level). (Elevation 213.1’ BCD)
Morning: 2-foot drawdown is started at Crescent as water levels between Mohawk River / Erie Canal Lock E6 and Lock E7 begin lowering. Removal of flashboards at Crescent is completed. (Elevation 183.5’ BCD)
Afternoon: Work barge travels from Lock 6 / Crescent Project to Lock 7 / Vischer Ferry Project. Water levels at Crescent rise approximately 4 inches, to non-navigation season levels. (183.8’)
Evening: A gradual drawdown begins at Vischer Ferry as water levels between Mohawk River / Erie Canal Lock E7 and Lock E8 are lowered. Water levels will drop approx. 2 feet, depending on river flows at the time. The water drawdown is completed by Wednesday morning. (Elevation 211.0’ Barge Canal Datum)
Wednesday, November 3 Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry are lowered approx. 6 inches. Fish Deterrent system components are removed from Vischer Ferry forebay. Flashboards are removed on Dam F. (Elevation 210.5’ BCD)
Evening: Water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approx. 7 inches. (Elevation 211.1’ BCD)
Thursday, November 4 Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approx. 7 inches. Flashboards are removed on Dam D. (Elevation 210.5’ BCD)
Evening: Water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approx. 7 inches. (Elevation 211.1’ BCD)
Friday, November 5 Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approx. 7 inches. Flashboards are removed on Dam E. (Elevation 210.5’ BCD)
Evening: Water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approximately 4 inches, to non-navigation season levels. (210.8’)
Barring any complications or inclement weather, flashboard removal will be completed by Friday, November 5, 2021. Unforeseen precipitation and/or high water conditions may delay this schedule. Should you have any questions, please contact me at 518- 287-6340.
*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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