Notice to Mariners
Erie Canal – Vischer Ferry and Crescent
April 24, 2024
Spring Seasonal Installation of Flashboards at Crescent & Vischer Ferry Dams Begins April 29
The New York Power Authority (NYPA), working with BIDCO Marine Group, will install flashboards at the Vischer Ferry and Crescent dams beginning Monday, April 29. 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 installation 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 in Saratoga County and Niskayuna in Schenectady County. The Crescent Dam (Lock 6) is located between Waterford in Saratoga County and Colonie in Albany County.
The flashboard installation schedule:
Monday, April 29:
A gradual drawdown of water levels at Vischer Ferry begins overnight between Erie Canal Lock E7 and E8. Water levels will drop between six inches and two feet, depending on river flows. The drawdown will be completed by Tuesday morning. (Elevation 211’ Barge Canal Datum [BCD])
Tuesday, April 30:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry will be lowered approximately six inches and the fish deterrent system will be installed. Flashboards will be installed on Dam F. (Elevation 210.5’ BCD)
Evening: Water levels at Vischer Ferry will rise approximately six inches. (Elevation 211’ BCD)
Wednesday, May 1:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry will be lowered approximately six inches. Flashboards will be installed on Dam D. (Elevation 210.5’ BCD)
Evening: Water levels at Vischer Ferry will rise approximately six inches. (Elevation 211’ BCD)
Thursday, May 2:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry will be lowered approximately six inches. Flashboards will be installed on Dam E. (Elevation 210.5’ BCD)
Evening: Water levels at Vischer Ferry will rise approximately six inches. (Elevation 211’ BCD)
Friday, May 3:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry will remain at dam crest as the work barge transits to Crescent. (Elevation 211’ BCD)
Monday, May 6:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at dam crest and BIDCO will mobilize. (Elevation 211’ BCD)
Tuesday, May 7:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry will rise from 211’ BCD to 213.3’ BCD; seasonal navigation levels.
A gradual drawdown of water levels at Crescent will begin in the morning between Erie Canal Lock E6 and E7. Water levels will drop between six inches and two feet, depending on river flows, to six inches below dam crest. (Elevation 183.5’ BCD)
Afternoon: Installation of flashboards will be completed at Crescent.
Evening: Water levels at Crescent will rise to seasonal navigation levels, permitting river conditions. (Elevation 185’ BCD)
Wednesday, May 8:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry will remain at seasonal navigation levels as the work barge transits to the Vischer Ferry. The downstream boat denial line will also be installed. (Elevation 213.1’ BCD)
Thursday, May 9:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry will remain at seasonal navigation levels as the upstream boat denial line mooring buoys are installed. (Elevation 213.1’ BCD)
Friday, May 10:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry will remain at seasonal navigation levels as the upstream boat denial line buoy lines are installed. (Elevation 213.1’ BCD)
Barring any complications or inclement weather, flashboard installation will be completed by Tuesday, May 7. Unforeseen precipitation and high-water conditions may delay the schedule.
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In case of emergencies, please call the Canal Corporation’s Emergency Call Center at 833-538-1042.