Major canal breaks reported

The heavy rains and flooding in upstate New York have taken a toll on the Erie Canal's banks over the past week. The worst break has occurred at Pendleton near North Tonawanda, a massive cave-in of the embankment which has claimed several trees and is threatening the canal's May 1 opening date. This photo (by John at NYCanal.com) shows trees and debris that have fallen into the canal from the collapsed bank. The Army Corps of Engineers are reported to have gotten involved in the repair effort.

Another, less serious fifty-foot break occurred last week in Murray in Orleans County, when pooled water outside of the canal forced its way into and over the bank, flooding the empty canal. Estimated repair cost: $20,000.

What a mess. And I hear the water is still way high in Baldwinsville where the Seneca River just crested last Thursday.