Every winter since 1964, the ice boom has been installed at the entrance to the Niagara River in an effort to reduce ice jams and damage to shoreline property.

The boom is installed once Lake Erie's water temperature reaches 39 degrees or December 16th, whichever comes first.

The water temperature is currently 42 degrees.

Since December 16th falls on a Sunday, the Corps of Engineers says installation will begin Monday or Tuesday, weather permitting.