NYPA Press Release

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

ALBANY— The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will oversee a water drawdown at the Crescent and Vischer Ferry dams beginning on Tuesday, August 10. The water drawdown will accommodate repairs to flashboards which were damaged due to recent high-water conditions on the Mohawk River. Flashboards are plastic and/or wooden planks that are installed in the spring to raise water levels upstream of the dams for navigation purposes.  During this work the adult fish passage at Vischer Ferry will be closed and the juvenile fish passage will be opened. These activities will cause fluctuations in water levels which may affect marinas, boats and docks. The schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, August 10:
Afternoon/Evening: A gradual water drawdown begins at Vischer Ferry as water levels between Mohawk River / Erie Canal Lock E7 and E8 are lowered. Water levels will drop between 2 feet and 3 feet, depending on river flows at the time. The water drawdown is completed by Wednesday morning. (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum)

Wednesday, August 11:
Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approx. 7 inches. Flashboards are repaired on Dam D. Flashboard are repaired on Dam F. The juvenile passage is opened on Dam F. (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum) Evening: Water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approx. 7 inches. (Elevation 211.1’ Barge Canal Datum)

Thursday, August 12:
Morning: water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approx. 7 inches. Flashboards are repaired as needed on Dam E. (Elevation 210.5’ Barge Canal Datum). Afternoon: Work Barge transits to Crescent Project. Evening: Water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approx. 7 inches. (Elevation 211.1’ Barge Canal Datum)

Friday, August 13:
Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry rise from elevation 211.1’ to 213.3’ Barge Canal Datum, navigation season levels. A drawdown begins at Crescent as water levels between Mohawk River / Erie Canal Lock E6 and E7 are lowered. Water levels will drop approximately 2 feet, depending on river flows at the time, to 6 inches below dam crest. (Elevation 183.5’ Barge Canal Datum) Afternoon: Repairs of damaged flashboards is completed at Crescent. Evening: Water levels at Crescent pond rise to top of flashboards, navigation season levels, as river flow permits. (Elevation 185.0’ Barge Canal Datum)

Barring any complications or inclement weather, flashboard repairs will be completed by Friday, August 13, 2021. Unforeseen precipitation and/or 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.

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.