DEC issues statement on high water

Here's DEC's press release from Wednesday regarding high waters in the Adirondacks.

DEC INFORMATION AND ADVICE REGARDING HIGH WATERS AND FLOODING

The combination of heavy rains and significant snowmelt have brought high water levels throughout the region and the state Department of Environmental Conservation wants to inform the public of its actions and provide some advice on how to avoid problems on the water and in the backcountry.

Water Levels in the Saranac River System

The managing the large amount of water in the Saranac River system requires balancing flooding impacts above dams with impacts below those structures. Communities and residents from Lake Champlain upstream to the Saranac Lakes are experiencing flooding. Communities below the water control structures want as much water as possible to be held by dams, while communities above the structures want as much water as possible released. The current amount of water in the system is tremendous and it is impossible to escape flooding impacts, water managers can only work to minimize and balance the impacts. DEC is working with the Village of Saranac Lake to ensure that balance in the upper reaches of the Saranac River. While locks are not designed to be water control structures they can function to control water flows. The gates on the Lower Locks, between First Pond and Oseetah Lake, are closed and waters are threatening to overtop the locks. Water overtopping the locks could result in heavy damage to the locks, resulting in closure of the locks for a long period while repairs are undertaken. While DEC could protect the locks by opening the gates, it is instead, in consultation with the Village, allowing water through sluice gates at the lock to prevent overtopping while minimizing the amount of water released downstream. Both the Lower Locks and the Upper Locks, between Lower Saranac Lake and Middle Saranac Lake, are closed to public usage until further notice. High waters and large amount of debris are blocking the Upper Locks from being opened. After water levels reside, DEC will remove the debris so that the Upper Locks will once again be operational.

Recreation on Water

Most DEC boat launches in the region are flooded, making it risky to launch and retrieve boats. Boaters not familiar with the location of the various structures on around the boat launch (ramps, walkways, docks, posts, etc.) that are now underwater risk damaging trailers and boats when launching or retrieving boats. Boaters and paddlers should be aware that waters in river are swift and may contain logs, limbs and other debris. High waters also conceal navigation hazards such as boulders, rock shelves, docks and other structures that normally are easily seen and avoided. While boaters in lakes and ponds do not need to be concerned about swift currents, the same warning about debris and underwater navigation hazards holds true. Not only are the waters high, but they are cold. The risk of drowning if you fall in is significantly higher than it is summer. Personal Flotation Devices are required to be worn by all occupants of boats less than 21 feet in length until May 1. DEC recommends that all boaters wear PFDs while occupying any size boat; during the launching and retrieving of boats or anytime on along the shore of fast flowing waters. Anglers should be aware that high cold waters are not conducive to catching trout and other fish. However, anglers that plan to wade or fish along the shoreline of rivers and streams should wear a PFD.

Hikers, Skiers and Snowshoers

Streams in the High Peaks and other areas of the Adirondacks are very high. Most stream crossings that don’t have a foot bridge are impossible or dangerous to cross. Review maps to determine where stream crossings are located and if bridges are present, then plan routes accordingly. Trails adjacent to streams and other waters may be flooded. Check with the local forest ranger if you are not sure of conditions ( HYPERLINK "http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/677.html" www.dec.ny.gov/about/677.html) or call the DEC Ray Brook Dispatch at 518-897-1300. While trails are muddy and wet in the lower elevations, snow is still present above 2500 feet. Snowshoes or skis are required in the Eastern High Peaks, and recommended throughout the Adirondacks, wherever snow depths exceed 8 inches. The use of snowshoes prevents “post holing”, avoids injuries and eases travel on snow.

Repairing Flood Damaged Shorelines

Shoreowners whose shorelines have been eroded or otherwise damaged by flooding should check with the DEC Environmental Permits Office, and the Adirondack Park Agency if the location is in the Adirondack Park, before undertaking a work to repair the shoreline to determine if a permit is required. The DEC Region 5 Environmental Permits Office can be reached at 518-897-1234 and the Adirondack Park Agency can be reached at 518-891-4050.

DEC provides a number of documents on its website to assist in developing a shoreline stabilization project: Shoreline Stabilization: HYPERLINK "http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/50534.html" www.dec.ny.gov/permits/50534.html Shoreline Stabilization Techniques: HYPERLINK "http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/67096.html" www.dec.ny.gov/permits/67096.html Applying for a Protection of Waters Permit: HYPERLINK "http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/42593.html" www.dec.ny.gov/permits/42593.html Sample General Site Plans for a Protection of Waters Permit: HYPERLINK "http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/70807.html" www.dec.ny.gov/permits/70807.html Sample General Project Plans for a Protection of Waters Permit: HYPERLINK "http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/70934.html" www.dec.ny.gov/permits/70934.html