Notice

10/21/2021 07:19 AM

Notice to Mariners

Erie Canal – Vischer Ferry and Crescent

October 21, 2021

FALL SEASONAL REMOVAL OF FLASHBOARDS AT CRESCENT AND

VISCHER FERRY DAMS BEGINS OCT 24

ALBANY—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will oversee the water drawdown to remove the flashboards at the Vischer Ferry and Crescent dams beginning on Sunday, Oct. 24. 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 Vischer Ferry Boat Barrier Line, used to prevent boats from approaching too close to the dam, will also be removed and placed in winter storage at this time. These activities will cause fluctuations in water levels which 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 schedule is:

Sunday & Monday, Oct. 24 & 25

PM water levels at Vischer Ferry between Mohawk River / Erie Canal Lock E7 and Lock E8 gradually drop approximately 2 to 3 feet below water levels normally observed during the canal navigation season. (Elevation 211.0’ Barge Canal Datum)

Tuesday, Oct. 26:       

AM water levels at Vischer Ferry gradually rise approximately 2 feet to top of flashboards—normal Navigation Season level. (Elevation 213.1’ Barge Canal Datum). 

AM water levels at Crescent gradually drop approximately 2 ft. between Mohawk River / Erie Canal Lock E6 and Lock E7. (Elevation 183.5’ Barge Canal Datum).  Removal of flashboards at Crescent is completed. 

PM water levels at Crescent rise approximately 4 inches to non-navigation season levels. (Elevation 183.8’ Barge Canal Datum). 

Overnight: Water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at Navigation Season levels. (Elevation 213.1’ Barge Canal Datum).

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Oct. 27-29:

Water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at Navigation Season levels to accommodate removal of the Boat Barrier line. (Elevation 213.1 Barge Canal Datum).

Saturday - Sunday, Oct. 30-31

Water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at Navigation Season levels (Elevation 213.1 Barge Canal Datum).

Monday, Nov. 1:

PM water levels at Vischer Ferry between Mohawk River / Erie Canal Lock E7 and Lock E8 are gradually lowered approximately 2 feet depending on river flows at the time to accommodate removal of the fish deterrent system. The water drawdown is completed by Tuesday morning. (Elevation 211.0’ Barge Canal Datum)

Tuesday, Nov. 2:
AM water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approximately 6 inches to accommodate removal of flashboards (Dam F) and fish deterrent system. (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum).

PM water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approximately 7 inches to non-Navigation season levels (Elevation 211.1’ Barge Canal Datum).

Wednesday, Nov. 3:

AM water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approximately 7 inches to accommodate removal of flashboards (Dam D). (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum).

PM water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approximately 7 inches to non-Navigation season levels (Elevation 211.1’ Barge Canal Datum).

Thursday, Nov. 4:

AM water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approximately 7 inches to accommodate removal of flashboards (Dam E). (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum).

PM water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approximately 7 inches to non-Navigation season levels (Elevation 210.8’ Barge Canal Datum).

Friday, Nov. 5: – Contingency Day

AM Work continues on flashboards at Vischer Ferry if necessary. (Elevation 210.8’ Barge Canal Datum).

PM water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approximately 7 inches to non-Navigation season levels (Elevation 210.8’ Barge Canal Datum).

Barring any complications or inclement weather, the removal of the flashboards will be completed by Nov. 5.  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 518-433-6741.

A chart showing the affected area can be found at 14786e39.webp

Features along the eastern portion of the Erie Canal are listed by mileage at /Navigation-Information

The Canal Corporation urges all users to register to receive updates through the “Notice to Mariners” notification program at www.canals.ny.gov

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