Ice Boom Information
Lake Erie-Niagara River Ice Boom 2024-2025 Ice Season Ended
The New York Power Authority informed the Board that all components of the Ice Boom were placed into dry storage as of May 8, 2025, marking the conclusion of the 2024–2025 season.
Lake Erie-Niagara River Ice Boom has been Removed - April 30, 2025
The Lake Erie-Niagara River Ice Boom has been removed as of April 30, 2025, for the 2024-25 ice season. All ice boom pontoon strings were secured at the Buffalo Harbor Breakwater. This year, the removal process was delayed due to a thick ice pack, with the boom remaining encased in heavy ice, coupled with unfavorable weather conditions later in the season. The NYPA will now proceed with preparations for storing the ice boom components by removing the buoys from Lake Erie and towing the components up the Buffalo River to the NYPA dry storage yard.
Ice Boom Removal Update - April 11, 2025
New York Power Authority plans to start removing the ice boom. Due to heavy ice still remaining behind the ice boom, the removal will follow a phased approach. For further details, see the Board’s press release.
Ice Boom Update - April 1, 2025
Due to the current heavy ice cover on eastern Lake Erie, the removal of the Lake Erie-Niagara River ice boom has been delayed and could not be completed by April 1, 2025. For more information on ice boom removal delay click here.
Ice Boom Update - January 27, 2025
High winds over the weekend caused the ice boom to overtop. The winds intensified on January 27, pushing more ice downstream and filling the Maid of the Mist pool with ice. Additionally, the stronger winds damaged the ice boom, as shown in the screenshot from the online camera feed. The New York Power Authority is working to assess the damage and determine the necessary repairs.
Ice Boom Update - December 19, 2024
New York Power Authority crews completed the installation of the ice boom for the 2024-25 ice season on December 19.
Lake Erie - Niagara River Ice Boom Installation Planned to Begin December 16, 2024
Installation of the Lake Erie - Niagara River Ice Boom for the 2024-2025 ice season is planned to begin as early as December 16, 2024. 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 2024 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.