The Truth Behind Niagara Falls’ “Frozen” Appearance

Some Facts and Figures About Snow and Ice and the Rushing Waters of The Falls

• Record-breaking temperatures result in remarkable ice formations and the illusion of “Frozen Falls”
• Miniature glaciers and frozen mist have transformed Niagara Falls into a truly inspiring, natural and distinctly Canadian winter wonderland

From Ontario’s Niagara Parks Commission

Posted January 25th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

Do the Falls actually freeze?

Well, technically no. Though it is a trick question, as to the eye it might look as though they do.

During particularly cold temperatures, the mist and spray begin to form a crust of ice over top of the rushing water, making it appear as though the Falls have in fact stopped. However, the water continues to flow underneath the sheets of ice.

Winter Flow

During the wintertime, 75% of the water flowing from Lake Erie along the Niagara River is diverted approximately one kilometre before the Falls through tunnels and canals for hydro-electric purposes and is returned back into the lower Niagara River. As a result, the “winter flow” or the volume of water that rushes over Niagara Falls throughout the winter months, is approximately 85 million litres every minute. In contrast, from April 1 through to October 31, approximately 50% of the water is diverted, resulting in the summer flow, which is generally measured at 170 million litres of water every minute.

Horseshoe Falls vs. American Falls Winter Flow

Have you noticed that the American Falls appear to be more “frozen” than the Horseshoe Falls? This is because the American Falls only receive about 7% of the Niagara River flow (with the rest going over the Horseshoe Falls). With less water going over the Falls, there is greater opportunity for ice to build up, giving the appearance of “Frozen Falls”.

Ice Bridge

With each winter that brings a majority of days with temperatures below zero, the phenomenon known as the ice bridge usually forms. Often in January, during a mild spell followed by a strong southwest wind, ice breaks up and travels down the Niagara River and over the Falls. This wet ice is then forced up out of the water below the Falls where it freezes into a huge mass, taking the appearance of a glacier; with the potential of building up to an incredible height of ten stories!

Beginning in the 1880s, it became a popular pastime to gather on the ice for entertainment and to enjoy refreshments served out of outdoor huts set up on the frozen surface. This continued until 1912, when an unfortunate mishap during a particularly mild spell led three people to their deaths, ending the era of public access onto the ice bridge.

Ice Boom

Before 1964, ice would float each winter from Lake Erie along the Niagara River, seriously impeding power diversions and damaging shoreline installations and bridges. Beginning in 1964, the use of an “ice boom” at the source of the river has controlled potential damage caused by floating ice. The 2.7 km (1.7 mile) long boom is made of floating 30-foot long steel pontoons and is placed between the town of Fort Erie and the city of Buffalo to hold the ice back.

Has the Falls ever stopped?

It’s hard to imagine anything could stop the gigantic rush of water over the Falls, yet records show it happened once. For 30 long, silent hours in March 1848, the river ceased its flow. High winds set the ice fields of Lake Erie in motion and millions of tons of ice became lodged at the source of the river, blocking the channel completely.

Local inhabitants, accustomed to the sound of the river, heard an eerie silence and those who were brave enough, walked or rode horses over the exposed basin. The self-made dam held the water back until a shift allowed the pent-up weight of water to break through. The annual installation of the ice boom has prevented this from happening since that time.

Discover the Wonder

Niagara Falls is a natural wonder that appeals to the visual senses and provides an exhilarating experience, and at no time is this more evident than in the winter.  As a four-season destination, showcasing the natural wonders of the Canadian Niagara River Corridor to the world, from the blooming beauty of spring, the lush greenery of summer, to the vibrant foliage of the fall. 

However, in winter, the power of the crushing Niagara River make itself only more prominent, miniature glaciers build in the Niagara Gorge, and the frigid mist coats the surrounding landscape in ice, creating a truly inspiring, natural and magical winter wonderland.

Enjoy this seasonal experience with Niagara Parks, either up close at attractions like our Canadian Signature Experience, Journey Behind the Falls, or from the warmth of our exquisite Elements at the Falls restaurant, directly overlooking the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and featuring a locally sourced FeastON certified menu. 

About Niagara Parks

Since its establishment in 1885, Niagara Parks has remained a self-financed agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Sport, entrusted to preserve and protect the land surrounding Niagara Falls and the Niagara River. Today, Niagara Parks boasts gardens, a horticulture school, recreation, golf courses, restaurants, heritage and historic sites, gift shops and, of course, Niagara Falls. In short, natural landscapes, history, family fun, hiking, culinary delights, attractions and adventure.

NIAGARA AT LARGE encourages you to join the conversation by sharing your views on this post in the space following the Bernie Sanders quote below.

A reminder that we only post comments by individuals who also share their first and last names.

For more news and commentary from Niagara At Large – an independent, alternative voice for our greater bi-national Niagara region – become a regular visitor and subscriber to NAL at www.niagaraatlarge.com .

 “A politician thinks of the next election. A leader thinks of the next generation.” – Bernie Sanders