NYPA Press Release

Spring Seasonal Installation of Flashboards at Crescent and Vischer Ferry Dams Begins April 22

ALBANY, N.Y.—The New York Power Authority (NYPA), working with BIDCO Marine Group, will install flashboards at the Vischer Ferry and Crescent dams beginning Tuesday, April 22. 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 installation will cause fluctuations in water levels that may affect marinas, boats and docks.

The Vischer Ferry Dam (Lock 7) spans the Mohawk River between Vischer Ferry in Saratoga County and Niskayuna in Schenectady County. The Crescent Dam (Lock 6) is located between Waterford in Saratoga County and Colonie in Albany County.

The flashboard installation schedule:

Monday, April 21:  

Overnight: A gradual drawdown begins at Vischer Ferry as water levels between Mohawk River/Erie Canal Lock E7 and E8 are lowered. Water levels will drop between 6 inches and 2 feet, depending on river flows at the time. The water drawdown will be completed by Tuesday morning. (Elevation 211’ Barge Canal Datum [BCD])

Tuesday, April 22:

Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry will drop approximately six inches and a fish deterrent system will be installed. Flashboards will be installed on Dam F. (Elevation 210.5’ BCD)

Evening: Water levels at Vischer Ferry will rise approximately six inches. (Elevation 211.0’ BCD)

Wednesday, April 23:       

Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry will drop approximately six inches and flashboards will be installed on Dam D. (Elevation 210.5’ BCD).

Evening: Water levels at Vischer Ferry will rise approximately six inches. (Elevation 211.0’ BCD)

Thursday, April 24:

Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry will drop approximately six inches and flashboards will be installed on Dam E. (Elevation 210.5’ BCD).

Evening: Water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approximately six inches. (Elevation 211.0’ BCD)

Friday, April 25:   

Water levels at Vischer Ferry will remain at dam crest as the work barge transits to Crescent Project. (Elevation 211.0’ BCD)

Monday, April 28:  

Morning water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at dam crest and BIDCO will mobilize. (Elevation 211’ BCD)

Tuesday, April 29:

Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry will rise from 211’ BCD to 213.3’ BCD; seasonal navigation levels.

A gradual drawdown of water levels at Crescent will begin in the morning between Erie Canal Lock E6 and E7. Water levels will drop between six inches and two feet, depending on river flows, to six inches below dam crest. (Elevation 183.5’ BCD)

Afternoon: Installation of flashboards will be completed at Crescent.

Evening: Water levels at Crescent will rise to seasonal navigation levels, permitting river conditions. (Elevation 185’ BCD)

Wednesday, April 30:

Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry will remain at seasonal navigation levels as the work barge transits to the Vischer Ferry Project. The downstream boat denial line will also be installed. (Elevation 213.1’ BCD)

Thursday, May 1:

Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry will remain at seasonal navigation levels as the upstream boat denial line mooring buoys are installed. (Elevation 213.1’ BCD)

Friday, May 2:

Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry will remain at seasonal navigation levels as the upstream boat denial line buoy lines are installed. (Elevation 213.1’ BCD)

Barring any complications or inclement weather, flashboard installation will be completed by Tuesday, April 29. Unforeseen precipitation and high-water conditions may delay the schedule.

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