NYPA Press Release

For Immediate Release: 04/07/26

Contact: media.inquiries@nypa.gov | (518) 860-9935

 

Spring Seasonal Installation of Flashboards at Crescent and Vischer Ferry Dams Begins April 12

 

ALBANY, N.Y.—The New York Power Authority (NYPA), working with BIDCO Marine Group, will prepare and install flashboards at the Vischer Ferry and Crescent dams beginning Sunday, April 12. 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. Conditions permitting, all portions of the New York State Canal system are scheduled to open on Friday, May 15.

 

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:

 

Sunday, April 12:

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 is completed by Monday morning. (Elevation 211.0’ Barge Canal Datum [BCD])

 

Monday, April 13:

Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approximately 6 inches. Flashboard pin sockets across the entire crest are cleaned for survey crews. (Elevation 210.5’ BCD)

 

Evening: Water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approximately 6 inches. (Elevation 211.0’ BCD)

 

Tuesday, April 14:

Water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at dam crest. Work Barge transits to Crescent Project. (Elevation 211.0’ BCD)

 

Overnight: A drawdown begins at Crescent as water levels between Mohawk River/Erie Canal Lock E6 and E7 are lowered. Water levels will drop between 6 inches and 2 feet, depending on river flows at the time. The water drawdown is completed by Wednesday morning. (Elevation 184.0’ BCD)

 

Wednesday, April 15:

Morning: Water levels at Crescent drop approximately 6 inches. Flashboard pin sockets across the entire crest are cleaned for survey crews. (Elevation 183.5’ BCD)

 

Evening: Water levels at Crescent rise approximately 6 inches. (Elevation 184.0’ BCD)

 

Thursday, April 16 – Thursday April 23:

Water levels at Vischer Ferry and Crescent may fluctuate as survey crews inspect flashboard pin sockets across crest at both locations.

 

Friday, April 24:

Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approximately 6 inches. Fish Deterrent system is installed. Flashboards are installed on Dam F. (Elevation 210.5’ BCD)

 

Evening: Water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approximately 6 inches. (Elevation 211.0’ BCD)

 

Monday, April 27:

Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approximately 6 inches. Flashboards are installed on Dam D. (Elevation 210.5’ BCD)

 

Evening: Water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approximately 6 inches. (Elevation 211.0’ BCD)

 

Tuesday, April 28:

Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry drop approximately 6 inches. Flashboards are installed on Dam E. (Elevation 210.5’ BCD)

 

Evening: Water levels at Vischer Ferry rise approximately 6 inches. (Elevation 211.0’ BCD)

 

Wednesday, April 29

Water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at dam crest. Work Barge transits to Crescent Project. (Elevation 211.0’ BCD)

 

Thursday, April 30:

Water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at dam crest. BIDCO mobilizes. (Elevation 211.0’ BCD)

 

Friday, May 1:

Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry rise from elevation 211.0’ BCD to 213.3’ BCD, navigation season levels.

 

Water levels at Crescent drop approximately 6 inches. Flashboards are installed on Crescent Dam A and Dam B. (Elevation 183.5’ BCD)

 

Afternoon: Flashboard installation at Crescent complete.

 

Evening: Water levels at Crescent rise to top of flashboards, navigation season levels, as river flow permits. (Elevation 185.0’ BCD)

 

Monday, May 4:

Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry will remain at navigation season levels. The work barge will transit to the Vischer Ferry Project. The downstream boat denial line will be installed. (Elevation 213.3’ BCD)

 

Tuesday, May 5:

Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at navigation season levels. Upstream Boat Denial Line mooring buoys will be installed. (Elevation 213.3’ BCD)

 

Wednesday, May 6:

Morning: Water levels at Vischer Ferry remain at navigation season levels. Upstream Boat Denial Line buoy lines will be installed. (Elevation 213.3’ BCD)

 

Barring any complications or inclement weather, flashboard installation will be completed by Friday, May 1. Unforeseen precipitation and high-water conditions may delay the schedule.

 

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About NYPA

The New York Power Authority 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 LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook,Instagram, and Substack.