NYPA crews pull one of the first pontoon strings out to Lake Erie to begin the installation of the ice boom for the 2018-19 ice season.

Ice Boom Information

 

Lake Erie - Niagara River Ice Boom has been Removed

The Lake Erie-Niagara River Ice Boom has been removed as of March 14, 2024, for the 2023-24 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.

Ice Boom Opening Update: Opening of the Lake Erie-Niagara River Ice Boom for the 2023-24 ice season commenced on March 13, 2024. New York Power Authority (NYPA) crews were on the water yesterday to begin the removal of the Ice Boom.

Ice Boom Removal Delayed: The New York Power Authority informed the Board that the ice boom removal was delayed due to inclement weather and staffing issues.

Removal of Lake Erie - Niagara River Ice Boom Planned to Begin February 27, 2024

Opening of the Lake Erie - Niagara River Ice Boom for the 2023-2024 ice season is planned to begin as early as February 27, 2024. More information can be found in the Lake Erie - Niagara River Ice Boom Opening media advisory for the 2023-2024 ice season.

Lake Erie - Niagara River Ice Boom Installation Planned to Begin December 16, 2023


Installation of the Lake Erie - Niagara River Ice Boom for the 2023-2024 ice season is planned to begin as early as December 16, 2023.  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 2023 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.