Notice to Mariners
October 25, 2023
Fall Seasonal Removal of Flashboards at Crescent & Vischer Ferry Dams Begins October 30
The New York Power Authority (NYPA), working with BIDCO Marine Group, will remove the flashboards at the Vischer Ferry and Crescent dams beginning Monday, October 30. 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. These activities will cause fluctuations in water levels that 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 flashboard removal schedule:
Monday, October 30:
Water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at navigation season levels. BIDCO completes mobilization efforts to Vischer Ferry Project/Lock 7. (Elevation 213.1’ Barge Canal Datum [BCD])
Tuesday, October 31:
Water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at navigation season levels. Work begins on the removal and storage of Vischer Ferry boat denial lines, which are used to prevent boats from approaching too close to the dam. (Elevation 213.1’ BCD)
Wednesday, November 1:
Water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at navigation season levels. Work on the removal and storage of Vischer Ferry Boat Denial Lines continues. (Elevation 213.1’ BCD)
Thursday, November 2:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at navigation season levels. Work on removal and storage of Vischer Ferry Boat Denial Lines is completed. (Elevation 213.1’ BCD)
Afternoon: Work barge travels from Lock 7/Vischer Ferry Project to Lock 6/Crescent Project. Water levels at Crescent rise approximately 4 inches, to non-navigation season levels. (Elevation 213.1’ BCD)
Friday, November 3:
A two-foot drawdown is started in the morning at Crescent as water levels between Mohawk River/Erie Canal Lock E6 and Lock E7 begin lowering. (Elevation 183.5’ BCD)
Afternoon: Flashboards at Crescent are removed. (Elevation 183.5’ BCD).
Evening: Water levels at Crescent rise approximately 4 inches, to non-navigation season levels. (183.8’ BCD)
Monday, November 6:
BIDCO completes mobilization efforts to Crescent. Work barge travels from Lock 6/Crescent Project to Lock 7/Vischer Ferry Project. (Elevation 213.1’ BCD)
Overnight: 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 approximately two feet, depending on river flows. The water drawdown is expected to be completed by Wednesday morning. (Elevation 211.0’ Barge Canal Datum)
Tuesday, November 7:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry are lowered approximately six inches. Fish deterrent system components are removed from the 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)
Wednesday, November 8:
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 approximately seven inches. (Elevation 211.1’ BCD)
Thursday, November 9:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approximately seven 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. (Elevation 210.8’ BCD)
Friday, November 10:
Contingency day for completion of flashboard removals.
Barring any complications or inclement weather, flashboard removal will be completed by Friday, November 10, 2023. Unforeseen precipitation and high-water conditions may delay this schedule.
The Canal system closed to navigation at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.
The Canal Corporation urges all users and stakeholders to register to receive updates through the Notice to Mariners notification program by clicking here.
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In case of emergencies, please call the Canal Corporation’s Emergency Call Center at 833-538-1042