Notice

08/30/2021 12:59 PM

Notice to Mariners

Eastern Erie Canal – Preparations for Tropical Storm Ida

August 30, 2021

In preparation for potential impacts from Tropical Storm Ida, the New York State Canal Corporation is preemptively lifting the upper gates of the movable dams along the Erie Canal and Mohawk River between Lock E-8 (Rotterdam) and Lock E-12 (Tribes Hill) today, Monday, August 30, 2021. The initial lowering of water levels throughout this area will begin this afternoon.

Depending on the storm’s track, the lower gates and uprights of the movable dams between Lock E-8 (Rotterdam) and Lock E-12 (Tribes Hill) may also be lifted out of the water, which would significantly reduce water levels within the Erie Canal and Mohawk River to near winter levels and could result in grounding of any vessels left unattended.

Additional updates regarding the potential full lifting of the movable dams will be communicated in a timely manner through the Canal Corporation’s Notice to Mariners alert program.

Residents and mariners are encouraged to take appropriate actions regarding any vessels, docks, or other seasonal structures in these areas which may be impacted or damaged by the reduced water levels.

For mariners seeking safe harbor, the Waterford Flight (Locks E-2 – E-6) will be available for any vessels arriving by 5:00 pm Tuesday, August 31, 2021. 

The Canal Corporation will continue to monitor the path of the storm and will update the public accordingly through additional Notice to Mariners alerts.