News Releases

Removal of the Lake Erie Niagara River ice boom will begin Monday, April 6, 2026.

Installation of the ice boom for the 2025-2026 ice season is scheduled to begin as early as December 14, 2025, by the New York Power Authority crews, subject to safe in water working conditions.

New York Power Authority (NYPA) will begin removal of the Lake Erie-Niagara River ice boom as ice conditions and safe working conditions allow. Due to heavy buildup of ice in the Maid-of-the-Mist Pool and persistent thick ice conditions at the boom, a gradual removal of the boom will be undertaken.

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.

Water levels in each of the Great Lakes, except for Lake Erie, are currently below long-term monthly averages. Actual spring and summer water levels will depend primarily on weather and water supplies during the spring and summer months.

Installation of the ice boom for the 2024-2025 ice season is scheduled to begin as-early-as December 16, 2024, by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) crews, subject to safe in water working conditions.

The International Lake Ontario–St. Lawrence River Board and International Niagara Board of Control will host a bilinqual public meeting in French and English, Wednesday, November 13 from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm.

If weather allows for safe working conditions, crews from the New York Power Authority will begin opening the 22 spans on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. This will be the earliest start date for removal of the ice boom.

Installation of the ice boom for the 2023-2024 ice season is scheduled to begin as-early-as December 16, 2023, by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) crews, subject to safe in water working conditions.

The International Lake Ontario–St. Lawrence River Board and International Niagara Board of Control will host two virtual public meetings, one in English and one in French, to share the most up to date forecast for the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River basin and discuss ice boom installation for...

Due to the lack of ice cover on Lake Erie and the absence of ice in the Maid-of-the-Mist Pool below Niagara Falls, preparations are underway for the removal of the Lake Erie – Niagara River Ice Boom. If weather allows for safe working conditions, crews from the New York Power Authority plan to begin...

The IJC issued a Temporary Order of Approval on December 20, 2022, to allow for installation of 21 of the 22 sections of the Niagara River ice boom. NYPA installed 21 spans of the ice boom this ice season leaving out the last span of the ice boom located nearest to the Canadian shore. The...

Installation of the ice boom for the 2022-2023 ice season is scheduled to begin Friday December 16, weather permitting.

The three Great Lakes Boards will host joint webinars in English and French on August 30 and 31, respectively from 5:30 to 6:30 pm EDT. Information shared will include current and forecast conditions within the Great Lakes basin.

Preparations are underway for the removal of the Lake Erie – Niagara River Ice Boom 2022.

Installation of the ice boom for the 2021-2022 ice season could begin as early as December 10th, 2021 weather permitting. Each winter since 1964, the Lake Erie-Niagara River Ice Boom has been installed near the outlet of Lake Erie to reduce the amount of ice entering the Niagara River.

The International Joint Commission (IJC) Great Lakes water levels boards invite you to attend a webinar scheduled for Friday, August 27 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm (EDT).

Preparations are underway for the removal of the Lake Erie – Niagara River Ice Boom. Lake Erie’s ice cover has rapidly reduced over the past few days.

Installation of the ice boom for the 2020-2021 ice season is planned to begin as early as December 10, 2020 weather permitting.

BURLINGTON, ONTARIO ----- New York Power Authority (NYPA) is requesting International Joint Commission (IJC) approval for early installation of the ice boom for the 2020-2021 ice season to provide additional time to implement COVID-19 staff safety protocols.

A public Great Lakes water levels webinar hosted by the International Joint Commission's Lake Superior Board of Control, Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board and Niagara Board of Control was held July 17. This webinar provided an overview of why the Great Lakes were at their current levels and how...

The International Niagara Board of Control invites members of the public to participate in a teleconference-webinar to discuss the Board’s Directive and annual activities. The afternoon of Tuesday October 8th, 2019, 12:00-1:00 pm EDT. You must dial into the teleconference to listen to the...

Preparations are underway for the removal of the Lake Erie – Niagara River Ice Boom

BUFFALO, NEW YORK; BURLINGTON, ONT. Based on the present heavy ice cover remaining on eastern Lake Erie, removal of the Lake Erie-Niagara River ice boom has not started. The International Joint Commission’s International Niagara Board of Control has determined that the Lake Erie-Niagara River ice...

Lake Erie - Niagara River Ice Boom Installation Media Advisory for the 2018-19 Ice Season.

Considering the lack of ice cover on the lake and the absence of an ice buildup in the Maid-of-the-Mist Pool below Niagara Falls, preparations are underway for the removal of the Lake Erie – Niagara River Ice Boom.

Based on the present heavy ice cover remaining on eastern Lake Erie, removal of the Lake Erie-Niagara River ice boom has not started. The International Joint Commission’s International Niagara Board of Control has determined that the Lake Erie-Niagara River ice boom will not likely be open before...

New York Power Authority marine crews began installing the Ice Boom on 16 December 2017. Under the International Joint Commission's 1999 Supplementary Order of Approval, placement of the spans may begin when the Lake Erie water temperature at Buffalo reaches 4ºC (39ºF) or on December 16, whichever...

Each winter since 1964, the Lake Erie-Niagara River Ice Boom has been installed near the outlet of Lake Erie to reduce the amount of ice entering the Niagara River.

Preparations are underway for the removal of the Lake Erie – Niagara River Ice Boom.

Placement of the 22 spans of the Lake Erie-Niagara River Ice Boom is about to start.

LAKE ERIE – NIAGARA RIVER ICE BOOM Ice Boom to be Removed BUFFALO, NEW YORK; BURLINGTON, ONTARIO – Preparations are underway for the removal of the Lake Erie – Niagara River Ice Boom. For the second consecutive year, mild weather conditions for most of this winter season have resulted in little to...

March 27, 2014 - Delay in Ice Boom Opening March 27, 2014 - Delay in Ice Boom Opening