Spring Flashboards to be Installed at Crescent and Vischer Ferry Dams Beginning May 10

For Immediate Release: 05/05/21

Contact:  Maura Balaban, | maura.balaban@nypa.gov | (914) 390-8171

               Shane Mahar | Shane.mahar@nypa.gov | (518) 603-0791

Work to Ready Waterway for Recreational Boating this Season

 

ALBANY—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will oversee a water drawdown to install flashboards at the Crescent and Vischer Ferry dams beginning on Monday, May 10. Flashboards are plastic and/or wooden planks that are installed in the spring to raise water levels upstream of the dams for navigation purposes. These activities will affect water levels which may affect marinas, boats, and docks.

The water drawdowns will also accommodate installation of a fish deterrent system to guide juvenile fish away from the powerhouse and a boat barrier line to prevent boats from approaching too close to the Vischer Ferry dam. The work follows an extensive rehabilitation of Lock E-7 which was undertaken during the winter season.

 

The Vischer Ferry Dam (Lock E-7) spans the Erie Canal and Mohawk River between Vischer Ferry, Saratoga County, and Niskayuna, Schenectady County. The Crescent Dam (Lock E-6) is between Waterford, Saratoga County, and Colonie, Albany County.

 

Monday, May 10:

During the afternoon and evening a gradual drawdown of water levels begins at Vischer Ferry dam between the Erie Canal Locks E-7 and E-8. Water levels will drop between 6 inches and 2 feet depending on river flows at the time. The water drawdown will be complete by Tuesday morning. (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum).

 

Tuesday, May 11:
Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approximately 6 inches below dam crest as the fish determent and flashboards are installed on Dam F and Dam D. (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum). Evening water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approximately 7 inches (Elevation 211.1’ Barge Canal Datum).

 

Wednesday May 12:

Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approximately 7 inches as flashboards are installed on Dam E. (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum). Evening water levels at the Vischer Ferry Dam rise approximately 7 inches (Elevation 211.1’ Barge Canal Datum).

 

Work barge transits to the Crescent Dam

 

Thursday, May 13:

Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry rise to Navigation Season levels from elevation 211.1’ to 213.3’ Barge Canal Datum.

 

During the morning a gradual drawdown of water levels begins at Crescent between the Mohawk River/ Erie Canal Locks E-6 and E-7. Water levels will drop between 6 inches and 2 feet, depending on river flows at the time, to 6 inches below dam crest. (Elevation 183.5’ Barge Canal Datum). 

 

During the afternoon, flashboard work is completed at Crescent. Evening water levels at Crescent pond rise to top of flashboards (Navigation Season levels) as water flows permit. (Elevation 185.0’ Barge Canal Datum).

 

Work Barge transits to Vischer Ferry Dam

 

Friday, May 14 – Monday, May 17

Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at Navigation Season levels as workers install boat barrier line and buoys. (Elevation 213.1’ BCD).

 

Barring any complications or inclement weather, the installation of the flashboards will be completed by Thursday, May 13. 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 518-469-4998 , email: Stephen.ramsey@nypa.gov.

 

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About NYPA:

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter @NYPAenergy, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and LinkedIn.