Ice Boom Information
Ice Boom Update December 9, 2019
New York Power Authority has begun preparation for installation of the Lake Erie - Niagara River Ice Boom for the 2019-20 ice season. Installation may begin when Lake Erie water temperature as measured at the Buffalo Water Intake reaches 4oC (39oF) or on December 16, whichever occurs first. The temperature of Lake Erie on December 9, 2019 was 6oC (42oF).
Ice Boom Reports can be found here.
The Ice Boom is operated by the New York Power Authority to reduce the potential for ice jams in the Niagara River. For further information, see Frequently Asked Questions on the Ice Boom.
The New York Power Authority Ice Boom camera shows current images of the boom.
This video from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers describes the boom and how it is monitored in cooperation with the International Niagara Board of Control and other agencies.