NIAGARA FALLS, ON — Since 1964, the Niagara River of Lake Erie has installed an ice boom for each winter.
The New York Power Authority could install the ice boom as-early-as December 16 for the 2023-2024 ice season.
Placements can officially begin when water temperature reach 39 -degrees before or on December 16.
Water temperature currently is at 45-degrees.
When it is installed, the ice boom will be near the outlet of Lake Erie where crews plan to reduce the amount of ice entering the Niagara River. The boom helps to strengthen the formation of a naturally made ice arch.
The installation of the ice boom will also help to prevent ice jams that can damage shoreline properties and reduce the waterflow of the hydroelectric power production.
If powerful winds or severe storms cause pressure against the boom, it has been designed so that it will submerge until the pressure is gone.