NYPA Press Release

NYPA to Close Hinckley Reservoir Boat Launch Due To Low Water Levels

UTICA—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will close on Tuesday, 8/19/25, its boat launch at the Hinckley Dam and Reservoir due to low water levels that make conditions unsafe for boat launching. The nearby canoe and kayak launch area will remain open.  

NYPA will continue to monitor the reservoir until the water depth returns to safe levels for launching, at which point the reopening of the boat launch will be announced. The regular closing of the boat launch is October 1.

Located along the north side of the reservoir on Route 365, the boat launch was built in 1985 by NYPA as a recreational benefit in connection with the construction of the Jarvis Power Plant. NYPA also provided parking spaces for cars and boat trailers, and a turnaround area. The launch is comprised of concrete planks that extend 200 feet into the reservoir for ease of access to boaters. 

The Jarvis Power Plant, which features two turbine-generators, began operating in 1986 and is named in honor of an astronaut from the Mohawk Valley who was killed that year aboard the space shuttle Challenger.

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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, Tumblr and LinkedIn.