MASSENA – The New York Power Authority announced today that the gates at Long Sault Dam are scheduled to be open from 7 a.m. Wednesday, March 27, until 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 28.

The opening of the gates will result in rapidly changing river flows and potentially unsafe ice conditions downstream of the dam and along the South Channel of the river, said a press release from NYPA.

Members of the public, including those ice fishing on the river or channel, should be alert to rapidly changing ice conditions and should stay off the ice in the area.

Members of the public should:

• Use caution on the river.

• Keep back a minimum of 800 feet from the Long Sault Dam spillway and Robert Moses Power Dam, both on the upstream and downstream side.

• Be aware of changing river conditions and strong currents.

The release of water Long Sault Dam will assist in maintaining the International Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River Board’s (ILOSLRB) planned river flow while several turbine generators are out of service for maintenance at the Robert Moses Power Dam, said the press release.

The spilling will not increase the overall planned river flow.

Outflows from Lake Ontario are established on a weekly basis by the International Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River Board (ILOSLRB). The Board, in conjunction with its staff, continues to monitor and reassess conditions on an ongoing basis, the press release.

Actual outflows will depend on conditions in the St. Lawrence River. Spilling activities could take place through the spring.