The New York Power Authority marine crews began removal of the Ice Boom for the 2016/17 ice season this morning. The Ice Boom had been in place since Dec. 23.
The lack of ice cover on the lake and the absence of an ice buildup in the Maid-of-the-Mist Pool below triggered the removal of the Ice Boom. Due to mild weather conditions for most of this winter season, there was little-to-no ice cover on Lake Erie for the second consecutive year. Last year, the boom removal began on March 8.
According to NYPA, The latest date for the start of the boom opening was May 3, 1971, while the earliest start date was Feb. 28, 2012.
The ice boom is owned and operated by the New York Power Authority and Ontario Power Generation. The use of the boom is authorized by the International Joint Commission with its International Niagara Board of Control overseeing the installation, operation and removal.
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. Reduction in ice entering the river reduces the potential for ice jams, which can result in damage to shoreline property and significantly reduce water flow for hydroelectric power production.
