Ice Boom Information
Update December 16, 2020
In accordance with the International Joint Commission’s November 27, 2020 Temporary Order of Approval, installation of the Lake Erie-Niagara River Ice Boom’s spans for this year’s ice season commenced on Thursday December 10, 2020 and was completed on Saturday December 12, 2020. For the 2020/21 ice season, in accordance with the conditions of the 2020 Temporary Order of Approval, installation of the ice boom may begin when the Lake Erie water temperature as measured at the Buffalo Water Intake reaches 4ºC (39ºF) or on November 30, whichever occurs first.
New York Power Authority (NYPA) and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) requested an early date for the start of installation of the boom. Extra installation time reduces the likelihood of the need for dangerous, late-season installation, while providing time for implementation of any required safe COVID-19 working procedures. For the 2021-22 ice season the conditions of the IJC’s 1999 Supplementary Order of Approval will once again apply, which state the placement of the spans may begin when the Lake Erie water temperature at Buffalo reaches 4ºC (39ºF) or on December 16, whichever comes first.
Update December 8, 2020
Installation of the Lake Erie - Niagara River Ice Boom is about to start for the 2020/21 ice season. Installation of the Ice Boom is scheduled to start as early as Thursday December 10, 2020.
Learn more about 2020 installation of the ice boom
Public Consultation - Early Ice Boom Installation 2020
The public consultation has been completed. The Niagara Board would like to thank all that provided input.
More Ice Boom Information
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.