Ice Boom Information

Lake Erie - Niagara River Ice Boom 2022-2023 Ice Season Ended

New York Power Authority informed the Board that they have placed all components of the Ice Boom into dry storage as of  March 22, 2023 ending the 2022-23 season.

Lake Erie - Niagara River Ice Boom has been Removed

The ice boom has been removed as of  March 7, 2023 for the 2022-23 ice season, with the all ice boom pontoon strings tied off at the Buffalo Harbor Breakwater. NYPA will continue preparations for storage of the ice boom components by removing the buoys from Lake Erie and towing of ice boom components up the Buffalo River to NYPA dry storage yard.

Removal of Lake Erie - Niagara River Ice Boom Planned to Begin March 2, 2023

Opening of the Lake Erie - Niagara River Ice Boom for 2022-2023 ice season is planned to begin as early as March 2, 2023. More information can be found in the Lake Erie - Niagara River Ice Boom Opening media advisory for the 2022-2023 ice season.

Lake Erie - Niagara River Ice Boom 21 of 22 Sections Installed for 2022-2023 Ice Season

The IJC issued a Temporary Order of Approval on December 20, 2022, on NYPA's request to allow the installation of 21 of the 22 sections of the Lake Erie - Niagara River Ice Boom. The International Niagara Board of Control solicited public comment related to the amended installation plan for the 2022-2023 ice season. The comment period closed on Friday, January 20, 2023.

Learn more about the 21 of 22 sections installation  and comment submission

Lake Erie - Niagara River Ice Boom Installation Planned to Begin December 16, 2022

Installation of the Lake Erie - Niagara River Ice Boom for the 2022-2023 ice season is planned to begin as early as December 16, 2022.  The New York Power Authority may begin installation when the Lake Erie water temperature as measured at the Buffalo Water Intake reaches 4 degrees Celsius (39 degrees Fahrenheit) or on December 16, whichever occurs first.

Learn more about the 2022 installation of the Ice Boom

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.