Notice to Mariners
Erie Canal – Vischer Ferry and Crescent
April 27, 2023
SPRING FLASHBOARDS TO BE INSTALLED AT CRESCENT AND VISCHER FERRY DAMS
BEGINNING MAY 1
Work to Ready Waterway for Recreational Boating this Season
ALBANY—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will oversee a water drawdown to install flashboards at the Crescent and Vischer Ferry dams beginning on Monday, May 1. 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.
The water drawdowns will also accommodate installation of a fish deterrent system to guide juvenile fish away from the powerhouse and upstream and downstream boat barrier lines to prevent boats from approaching too close to the Vischer Ferry dam.
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, May 1:
During the afternoon and evening a gradual drawdown of water levels begins at Vischer Ferry dam between the Erie Canal Locks E-7 and E-8. Water levels will drop between 6 inches and 2 feet depending on river flows at the time. The water drawdown will be complete by Tuesday morning (Elevation 211.0’ Barge Canal Datum).
Tuesday, May 2:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approximately 6 inches to facilitate the installation of the fish deterrent system and the installation of flashboards on Dam F (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum). Evening water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approximately 6 inches (Elevation 211.0’ Barge Canal Datum).
Wednesday, May 3:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approximately 6 inches to facilitate the installation of flashboards on Dam D (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum). Evening water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approximately 6 inches (Elevation 211.0’ Barge Canal Datum).
Thursday, May 4:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approximately 6 inches to facilitate the installation of flashboards on Dam E (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum). Evening water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approximately 6 inches (Elevation 211.0’ Barge Canal Datum).
Friday, May 5:
Water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at dam crest. Work barge transits to Crescent Project (Elevation 211.0’ Barge Canal Datum).
Monday, May 8:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at dam crest (Elevation 211.0’ Barge Canal Datum).
Tuesday, May 9:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry rise to Navigation Season levels from elevation 211.1’ to 213.3’ Barge Canal Datum.
During the morning, a gradual drawdown of water levels begins at Crescent between the Mohawk River/ Erie Canal Locks E-6 and E-7. Water levels will drop between 6 inches and 2 feet, depending on river flows at the time, to 6 inches below dam crest. (Elevation 183.5’ Barge Canal Datum).
During the afternoon, flashboard work is completed at Crescent. Evening water levels at Crescent pond rise to top of flashboards (Navigation Season levels) as water flows permit. (Elevation 185.0’ Barge Canal Datum).
Wednesday, May 10:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at Navigation Season levels. Work Barge transits to Vischer Ferry Project. (Elevation 213.1’ Barge Canal Datum). Afternoon: Downstream Boat Denial Line is installed.
Thursday May 11:
Water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at navigation season levels as Upstream Boat Denial Line and mooring buoys are installed. (Elevation 213.1’ Barge Canal Datum).
Friday, May 12:
Water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at navigation season levels as Upstream Boat Denial Line and buoys are installed. (Elevation 213.1’ Barge Canal Datum).
Barring any complications or inclement weather, the installation of the flashboards will be completed by Wednesday, May 10. 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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In case of emergencies, please call the Canal Corporation’s Emergency Call Center at 833-538-1042.