Lake Erie - Niagara River Ice Boom Installed for 2017/18 Ice Season
New York Power Authority marine crews began installing the Ice Boom on 16 December 2017. Under the International Joint Commission's 1999 Supplementary Order of Approval, placement of the spans may begin when the Lake Erie water temperature at Buffalo reaches 4ºC (39ºF) or on December 16, whichever comes first. Conditions on Lake Erie were good for installation operations of the boom allowing for complete installation by the end of day 17 December 2017. The Ice Boom will be operated by the New York Power Authority for the rest of the 2017/18 ice season to reduce the potential for ice jams in the Niagara River. For further information, see the media advisory and Frequently Asked Questions on the Ice Boom.