N.Y. Power Authority and State Canal Corp. Advise Marinas in the Niskayuna Area of Low Water Levels

Contact:
Michael Saltzman
(914) 390-8181
michael.saltzman@nypa.gov


June 1, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


ALBANY — The New York Power Authority (NYPA) and the New York State Canal Corporation made notifications Saturday to upstream marinas and boaters in the Niskayuna area of the Vischer Ferry Dam that water levels in sections of the Mohawk River have dropped more than a foot after several flashboards at the dam gave way due to recent heavy rains.

Recreational boaters have been advised that they may want to consider moving moored boats from shallow areas above Lock E-7 as a cautionary measure.

The water levels are typically between 212.8 feet and 213.2 feet. As of 10 p.m. Saturday, the level was 212.7 feet.

NYPA and the Canal Corporation will coordinate efforts over the next week to repair the damaged flashboards. Further notifications will be made on the schedule of the work.

Flashboards are planks that facilitate higher water levels in order to meet the Canal Corporation’s summer navigation levels.

The Power Authority ceased power production at its Vischer Ferry small-hydro plant early Saturday afternoon after determining that some of the flashboards were not in place. The suspension of generation will ensure that the plant does not contribute to the lower water levels.

About NYPA
NYPA is the nation's largest state public power organization, through the operation of its 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. 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. More than 70 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. Follow @NYPAenergy on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, WordPress, YouTube, and LinkedIn.