Notice

08/07/2024 06:15 PM

Notice to Mariners

Canal System Update – Tropical Storm Debby

August 7, 2024

 

In preparation for potential impacts from Tropical Storm Debby, the Canal Corporation will proactively lift the Erie Canal’s Movable Dams between Lock E-8 in Rotterdam and Lock E-15 in Fort Plain beginning at 9:00 am tomorrow, Thursday, August 8, 2024.

 

The lifting of the movable dams will result in the full lowering of the canal to winter levels and therefore its closure in this area.

 

Mariners and residents are encouraged to take appropriate actions regarding any vessels, docks, or seasonal structures which may be impacted or damaged by the significantly reduced water levels.

 

Mariners with trailerable boats are encouraged to remove them from the canal at their earliest convenience.

 

Mariners seeking safe harbor during the storm may do so within the Waterford Flight – Locks E-2 through E-6 or upstream of Lock E-16 in Saint Johnsville.

 

To allow mariners the opportunity to reach safe harbor prior to the lifting of the movable dams, the Canal Corporation is extending its hours of operation along the eastern Erie Canal to 8:00 pm this evening. Prior to advancing between locks, mariners should radio or call ahead to the next lock.   

 

The lifting of the movable dams allows for greater capacity within the Mohawk River to absorb precipitation from the storm and for debris to flow more freely downstream to mitigate any potential flooding of canalside communities.

 

In addition, the Canal Corporation is adjusting water levels at Delta, North Lake, and Madison Reservoirs to build capacity for any storm runoff. Based on current water levels, Hinckley Reservoir has storage capacity for this weather event.  

 

The Canal Corporation is also adjusting water management infrastructure in Central New York at Caughdenoy, Baldwinsville, and Oneida and Cayuga Lakes.

 

The Canal Corporation will continue to monitor the path of the storm and will update its plans to reinstall the movable dams and reopen the Erie Canal between Locks E-8 and E-15 through subsequent Notice to Mariners alerts.

 

The Canal Corporation urges all users and stakeholders to register to receive updates through the Notice to Mariners notification program by clicking here.

For general news, please visit www.canals.ny.gov or follow the Canal Corporation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

To report an issue or incident along the Canal system, please call the Canal Corporation’s Emergency Call Center at 833-538-1042.