As of 10/14, the repair is going well but the nor ‘easter was too far to the east so the drought continues. Any more releases in 2025 are very unlikely.
On the plus side, we now have 6 extra ‘barrels’ for 2026 as makeups assuming the drought eventually breaks. Talks include a summer Mongaupfest with releases on 2 days.

From Eagle Creek:

‘Due to a lack of recent rainfall, we are still operating under the low flow protocol with NYSDEC authorization for reduced minimum flows. Unfortunately, we are in a position where we need to cancel the October 25thRio whitewater release. If conditions improve significantly in the coming days, we can revisit the possibility, but for now, the 10/25 Rio release will not proceed as scheduled….The EC Mongaup Rio release schedule to be updated with this information.

Below is a chart showing the current and full pool reservoir elevations, along with the current and “normal” minimum flows for each project. These figures help illustrate how dry conditions remain across the Mongaup River Hydro system and how we’re working with agencies and stakeholders to conserve available resources, while also ensuring regulatory compliance.

Reservoir Current Elevation Full Pool Elevation Authorized Min Flow Standard Min Flow
Toronto 1179.7-ft 1200-ft* 10cfs 10cfs
Swinging Bridge 1059.7-ft 1070-ft 45cfs 100cfs
Cliff Lake 1059.5-ft 1071-ft 10cfs 10cfs
Mongaup Falls 930.9-ft 935-ft 55cfs 70cfs
Rio 797.9-ft 815-ft 60cfs 100cfs

*The elevation at Toronto Reservoir is capped at 1200-ft or less, due to upcoming dam repairs

Update 9/23
‘EC Mongaup will need to cancel the upcoming whitewater release scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2025.

In coordination with our federal and state regulators, concessions have been made to minimum flow requirements from several projects to help protect environmental resources and meet broader stakeholder needs. Due to the reduction in minimum flows throughout the Mongaup River system and the continued lack of rainfall over the past couple of months, reservoir levels are extremely low.

Given these conditions, proceeding with the October 4th release would be irresponsible to the environment and our other stakeholders. We understand this is disappointing news and appreciate your understanding as we prioritize system sustainability.

At this time, we are planning to keep the October 25th release on the schedule and will touch base as we get closer to that date to reassess conditions.’

Rebecca Vicaretti-Serrano,Compliance Analyst

Update 8/31

The turbine bearing should be back to the Rio Powerhouse the week of September 15th or 22nd and installation and rebuilding of the unit will begin. It will be a lengthy process, but I should know more of a definitive timeline, once the bearings are back onsite. The contractor is scheduled to be onsite for delivery and will immediately begin rebuilding.

Update 8/13:

Mongaup Rio Powerhouse with 1 barrel releasing

Mongaup Rio Powerhouse with 1 barrel.

The Rio turbine bearing has been removed and should be at the machine shop for a complete overhaul.

We won’t have a definitive timeline on the repair until they complete their assessment and know exactly what is needed.

Original message July 25th. Due to the complexity and scope of the necessary repairs, there will be an unavoidable impact on our operations, including any 2-unit release events, such as Sunday, 8/17 and Saturday, 8/30. …The unit outage has been extended until August 30, 2025, at the earliest. Our operation and civil teams are working together to assess the full extent of the issue and to implement a comprehensive repair plan as quickly and safely as possible.

We sincerely apologize for any disruption or inconvenience this outage causes to your group’s planned events. Please know that we are committed to keeping you informed throughout the repair process and will provide updates as we make progress.

from

Rebecca Vicaretti-Serrano, Property Compliance Supervisor – Mongaup

KCCNY is working with American Whitewater and area clubs including AMC, Lehigh Valley Canoe and Kayak Club and Philly Canoe Club to reschedule the missed releases at a time most compatible with other whitewater events. Please contact us (or your club) if you’d like to be involved.