Lake Erie-Niagara River Ice Boom to be Removed After April 1
The International Joint Commission’s International Niagara Board of Control has determined that the removal of the Lake Erie-Niagara River ice boom will begin after April 1. Based on the present heavy ice cover remaining on eastern Lake Erie, removal of the Lake Erie-Niagara River ice boom has not started. Representatives for the International Niagara Board of Control will continue to monitor the ice cover closely over the coming days.
Satellite imagery analysis from March 30 showed that the eastern basin of Lake Erie, the portion of the lake east of a line between Long Point, Ontario and Erie, Pennsylvania, covered an area of about 1,312 square kilometres (507 square miles) of ice.
The current International Joint Commission Order of Approval governing operation of the ice boom requires that all floating sections of the boom be opened by the first day of April, unless there is more than 650 square kilometres (250 square miles) of ice on eastern Lake Erie. Other factors such as the quality of ice, ice build-up in the river above/below the Falls in the lower Niagara River, or prediction of unfavorable weather are also considered.
Daily ice coverage analysis, satellite imagery, along with reconnaissance flights as necessary, will be used to monitor ice conditions to determine when boom opening should commence. The latest ice boom opening was May 3, 1971. The earliest start date was February 28, 2012.
A media advisory will be issued to inform the public when this year's boom removal begins.
For more information on Ice Boom installation, operation and removal contact Louis Paonessa, NYPA at (716) 548-2141
Visit the Board’s webpage to learn more about the IJC approval or ice boom frequently asked questions
or
In Canada contact Hafiz Ahmad, Canadian Secretary to the International Niagara Board of Control at (905) 220-8181 or Hafiz.Ahmad@ec.gc.ca
In USA contact Lynn Greer, Public Involvement Specialist to the International Niagara Board of Control at (716) 866-3417 or Lynn.M.Greer@usace.army.mil