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NYPA warns ice fishermen and others to use caution on and near St. Lawrence River due to water release at Long Sault

Posted 2/5/18

MASSENA -- The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is warning people using the St. Lawrence River, especially those ice fishing on or near the river, to use caution when on the ice or near the river …

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NYPA warns ice fishermen and others to use caution on and near St. Lawrence River due to water release at Long Sault

Posted

MASSENA -- The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is warning people using the St. Lawrence River, especially those ice fishing on or near the river, to use caution when on the ice or near the river during the remainder of winter.

NYPA may be instructed to release water through the Long Sault Dam spillway structure on the St. Lawrence River in the coming weeks during the remainder of the winter. When the gates of the Long Sault Dam are open and water is released, there could be rapidly changing water levels and ice conditions near the dam and the South Channel of the river all the way to Hawkins Point Visitor Center.

NYPA will post warning signs at key locations along the South Channel and river if a spill is likely. Just prior to spilling, a siren will sound and security patrols will take place along the river’s edge. Please respond to sirens and all security announcements immediately and get off the ice.

Spilling water at Long Sault Dam can sometimes occur with very little notice, so caution and awareness along the river, especially in the South Channel, and near the Long Sault Dam spillway and the Robert Moses Power Dam is advised at all times.

During the times water is being released, the public is advised to:

Use caution on the river.

Keep back a minimum of 800 ft. 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.

Water flows from Lake Ontario into the St. Lawrence River are governed by the International Joint Commission (IJC). Outflows from Lake Ontario are established on a weekly basis by the International Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River Board (ILOSLRB). The ILOSLRB monitors water levels and oversees water releases with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the U.S. side and the Environment Canada on the Canadian side monitoring day-to-day activities. Information on water levels can be obtained at: http://ijc.org/en_/islrbc.

For more information visit http://www.greatlakes-seaway.com/en/.