Ice Boom to be Removed -Spring 2017
BUFFALO, NEW YORK; BURLINGTON, ONTARIO – Preparations are underway for the removal of the Lake Erie – Niagara River Ice Boom.
For the second consecutive year, mild weather conditions for most of this winter season have resulted in little to no ice cover on Lake Erie. Considering the lack of ice cover on the lake and the absence of an ice buildup in the Maid-of-the-Mist Pool below Niagara Falls, preparations are underway for the removal of the Lake Erie – Niagara River Ice Boom.
If weather conditions are favourable, personnel from the New York Power Authority will begin opening the boom’s 22 spans on Monday, March 6, 2017. Last year, the boom opening began on March 8. The latest date for the start of the boom opening was May 3, 1971, while the earliest start date was February 28, 2012.
The ice boom is owned and operated by the New York Power Authority and Ontario Power Generation. The use of the boom is authorized by the International Joint Commission with its International Niagara Board of Control overseeing the installation, operation and removal.
Each winter since 1964, the Lake Erie-Niagara River Ice Boom has been installed near the outlet of Lake Erie to reduce the amount of ice entering the Niagara River. Reduction in ice entering the river reduces the potential for ice jams, which can result in damage to shoreline property and significantly reduce water flow for hydroelectric power production.
For more information see: ijc.org/en/nbc/watershed/ice-boom Or In USA: Keith Koralewski, Alternate U.S. Chair International Niagara Working Committee at (716) 879-4358.
In Canada: Derrick Beach, Canadian Secretary International Niagara Board of Control at (905) 336-4714.