NYPA Press Release

Flashboard Repairs at Crescent and Vischer Ferry Dams Begin May 20

ALBANY, N.Y.—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) and the New York State Canal Corporation (Canals) will re-install and repair sections of the flashboards at the Vischer Ferry and Crescent dams beginning Tuesday, May 20. 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. Due to recent high water on the Mohawk River, sections of the flashboards must be re-installed. These activities 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 re-installation schedule:

Monday, May 19:

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, May 20:

Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry will drop approximately six inches. Flashboards will be re-installed on Dam D. Damaged flashboards on Dams E and F will be repaired (elevation 210.5’ BCD). 

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

Wednesday, May 21:

Morning: The work barge will transit to the Crescent Project and water levels at Vischer Ferry will rise to navigation season levels, as river flows permit.

A drawdown of water levels will begin at the Crescent Project. 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: Damaged flashboards are repaired at the Crescent Project.

Evening: Water levels at Crescent will rise to the top of the flashboards to navigation season levels, as river flows permit (elevation 183.5’ BCD).

Barring any complications or inclement weather, flashboard re-installation and repairs will be completed by Wednesday, May 21. Unforeseen precipitation and high-water conditions may delay the schedule.

###

About NYPA

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA 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, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.