Lake Erie – Niagara River Ice Boom Installation Planned to Begin December 14, 2025
Installation of the ice boom for the 2025-2026 ice season is scheduled to begin as early as December 14, 2025, by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) crews, subject to safe in water working conditions.
Each winter since 1964, the Lake Erie-Niagara River Ice Boom has been installed near the outlet of Lake Erie at the entrance to the Niagara River. The ice boom promotes the formation and strengthening of a naturally occurring ice arch that reduces the amount of ice entering the Niagara River. It does not inhibit the movement of water from the lake into the Niagara River, which flows under the ice.
A reduction in ice entering the Niagara River reduces the number, severity, and duration of ice jams, which can result in damage to shoreline property and significantly reduce water flow for hydroelectric power production. At times, severe storms with westerly winds may overcome the stability of the ice arch and force large masses of ice against the boom. In this case, the ice boom is designed to submerge and allow the ice to override it until the pressure is relieved and the boom resurfaces.
Ownership and cost of operating and maintaining the ice boom is shared equally by NYPA and Ontario Power Generation (OPG). While NYPA is responsible for installing, operating, and removing the ice boom, both NYPA and OPG are responsible for meeting any other Canadian or United States laws that may pertain to use of the ice boom. The International Joint Commission (IJC) authorizes use of the ice boom within its mandate, through an Order of Approval. The International Niagara Board of Control administers the Order on behalf of the IJC and monitors the power entities operation of the ice boom and ice conditions throughout winter. The NYPA and OPG must ensure that the conditions of the Order of Approval are met in installation, operation, and removal of the ice boom.
In accordance with the IJC 1999 Supplementary Order of Approval, placement of the ice boom spans may begin when the Lake Erie water temperature at Buffalo reaches 4 degrees Celsius (39 degrees Fahrenheit) or on December 16, whichever comes first. As of December 10, Lake Erie water temperature at Buffalo, NY is approximately 4.4 degrees Celsius (40 degrees Fahrenheit).
For more information on installation, operation, and removal of the ice boom contact Louis Paonessa, NYPA at (716) 286-6651 or Louis.Paonessa@nypa.gov
Visit the Board’s webpage to learn more about the IJC approval or ice boom frequently asked questions
or
In Canada contact Hafiz Ahmad, Canadian Secretary to the International Niagara Board of Control at (905) 220-8181 or hafiz.ahmad@ec.gc.ca
In USA contact Lynn Greer, Public Involvement Specialist to the International Niagara Board of Control at (716) 866-3417 or Lynn.M.Greer@usace.army.mil