The Ice Boom Should Be Coming Out Very Soon

In Western New York, there are typically all sorts of ways to tell that spring has arrived in the region without looking at the calendar. Of course, you can tell it's spring because the Buffalo boys of summer, the Buffalo Bisons, are outside playing ball at Sahlen Field. The Bandits are likely busy chasing another NLL Championship Cup. New this year in 2026, the Buffalo Sabres have returned to the playoffs after a 15-year absence, and several other things.

But one sure-fire way to know that spring has arrived in Buffalo is when the International Joint Commission and the US Army Corps of Engineers start the process of removing the famed Lake Erie Ice Boom from the mouth of the Niagara River.

Ice Boom Removal Is Underway

Considering the fact that there is absolutely no ice on Lake Erie, it's time for us to say goodbye to the boom for another season.

Since 1964, the International Joint Commission has installed a nearly 2-mile-long ice barrier to help reduce the amount of ice entering the Niagara River, which can damage the hydropower plants in and around Niagara Falls.

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) jointly operate and own the ice boom. The two organizations are responsible for their annual installation, removal, and maintenance. The IJC was created by the governments of Canada and the United States to help implement the goals of the 1909 Border Waters Treaty. The primary role of the IJC is to approve projects that can affect water levels and flows along the international boundary and investigate issues involving the water boundary.

According to officials from the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and Ontario Power Generation, the removal began on April 6, 2026, but stalled for a bit thanks to typical spring weather in Buffalo. The removal process is back underway, and thanks to the sheer size of the boom, it will take several days for it to be all reeled back in.

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