Fall Seasonal Removal of Flashboards at Crescent and Vischer Ferry Dams Begins Tomorrow, Dec. 2

Contacts: 
Maura Balaban
(914) 390-8171
Maura.Balaban@nypa.gov

Shane Mahar, NYS Canal Corp.
(518) 471-5300
Shane.Mahar@thruway.ny.gov 

December 1, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALBANY—The New York Power Authority (NYPA), working with the New York State Canal Corporation, will oversee the water drawdown for the seasonal removal of flashboards at Vischer Ferry and Crescent dams beginning on Tuesday, Dec. 2. Flashboards, used to regulate water levels at the hydroelectric power plants, seasonally raise the pond level upstream of the Crescent and Vischer Ferry Dams.

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

The schedule is:

Tuesday, Dec. 2:
PM water levels at Vischer Ferry drop to elevation 211 feet (ft.) by Tuesday AM. This lowering represents a reduction of approximately 2 ft. below water levels normally observed during the canal navigation season.

Wednesday, Dec. 3: 
AM water levels at Vischer Ferry rise to 213.3 ft. AM water levels at Crescent drop to 0.5 ft. below crest, elevation 183.5 ft. This lowering represents a reduction of approximately 1.5 ft. below levels normally observed during the canal navigation season. Removal of flashboards at Crescent is completed. PM water levels at Crescent rise to crest, elevation 184 ft. At Vischer Ferry water levels drop to elevation 211.1 ft. through the night.

Thursday, Dec. 4:
AM water levels at Vischer Ferry drop to 0.3 to 0.5 ft. below crest. This lowering represents a reduction of approximately 2.5 ft. below water levels normally observed during the canal navigation season. Removal of flashboards at Vischer Ferry starts. PM water levels at Vischer Ferry rise to 0.1 ft. above crest.

Friday, Dec. 5:
AM water levels at Vischer Ferry drop to 0.3 to 0.5 ft. below crest. This lowering represents a reduction of approximately 2.5 ft. below water levels normally observed during the canal navigation season. Removal of flashboards at Vischer Ferry is completed. PM water levels at Vischer Ferry return to crest, elevation 211 feet.

Barring any complications or inclement weather, the removal of the flashboards will be completed by December 5. Unforeseen precipitation and high water conditions may delay this schedule. Any questions regarding this work should be directed to David Weiman, New York Power Authority at 518-287-6340.

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.