The picture, taken in 2100, is the great-grandson of Al Gore at the bottom of Niagra
Falls. It seems the 2006 "case is closed" declaration re. global warming by his great
grandaddy was premature and deserving of further research by open minded climate
scientists. Dennis Bussey
Hi Dennis, You're close- Actually the picture is from a weather report from hell
describing the incredibly cold weather conditions that prevailed after President Bush's
last announcment of a troop withdrawal from Iraq. Colleen
**********
How appropriate, based on the recent weather, and the Curly Howard quiz!
Mary Fraser
Note: Mary is referring to the Three Stooges routine...."Slowly I turned...step by
step..inch by inch..."
**********
Too bad we can't really do a proper CSI-like forensic analysis on the clothes of the
person standing there. I tried blowing it up but it doesn't come clear like they do on
TV! I would rather bet on 1909 because of the quality of the photography, but then
I've seen some good work from earlier years. Don Holznagel
**********
Yes, I read, too that the date could have been earlier than 1911. If we could have
gotten a better look at the person in the picture and seen his clothes maybe we could
have come closer. In looking at all the 1888 and other pictures of the falls in a frozen
state it was amazing to see all the people wandering out on the ice.... wonder more
didn't die. Sue Edminster
**********
I was stumped, so I sent out the call to folks in my company. Less than half an our
later we had the answer. Tom Pinince
**********
Now you see why I live in Florida! Rick Mackinney
**********
Wow! That is a really cool photo. I had no idea that Niagara Falls could freeze up like
that. John Chulick
No, John....that is a really COLD photo.
Falls. It seems the 2006 "case is closed" declaration re. global warming by his great
grandaddy was premature and deserving of further research by open minded climate
scientists. Dennis Bussey
Hi Dennis, You're close- Actually the picture is from a weather report from hell
describing the incredibly cold weather conditions that prevailed after President Bush's
last announcment of a troop withdrawal from Iraq. Colleen
**********
How appropriate, based on the recent weather, and the Curly Howard quiz!
Mary Fraser
Note: Mary is referring to the Three Stooges routine...."Slowly I turned...step by
step..inch by inch..."
**********
Too bad we can't really do a proper CSI-like forensic analysis on the clothes of the
person standing there. I tried blowing it up but it doesn't come clear like they do on
TV! I would rather bet on 1909 because of the quality of the photography, but then
I've seen some good work from earlier years. Don Holznagel
**********
Yes, I read, too that the date could have been earlier than 1911. If we could have
gotten a better look at the person in the picture and seen his clothes maybe we could
have come closer. In looking at all the 1888 and other pictures of the falls in a frozen
state it was amazing to see all the people wandering out on the ice.... wonder more
didn't die. Sue Edminster
**********
I was stumped, so I sent out the call to folks in my company. Less than half an our
later we had the answer. Tom Pinince
**********
Now you see why I live in Florida! Rick Mackinney
**********
Wow! That is a really cool photo. I had no idea that Niagara Falls could freeze up like
that. John Chulick
No, John....that is a really COLD photo.
| American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls length of brink: 1060 feet height: 176 feet (due to rocks at the base actual fall is 70 feet) volume of water: 150,000 U.S. Gallons per second Canadian Falls length of brink: 2600 feet height: 167 feet volume of water: 600,000 U.S. gallons per second Interesting fact: According to the U.S.G.S. (United States Geological Survey) of Niagara Falls, it appears that almost 1/3 of the Canadian Falls lies within US Territory. The flow over the American Falls was stopped completely for several months in 1969. The idea was to determine the feasibility of removing the large amount of loose rock from the base of the falls to enhance it's appearance. In the end the final decision was that the expense would be too great. |
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mere trickle) quickly froze. People were able to walk on the river bed just above the
American Falls where there was normally water. It wasn’t until the ice jam shifted and
broke apart, that the water flow was returned to normal.
A second similar ice jam occurred in January of 1938. The ice jam was so substantial
that it too cut off the main flow of water to the American Falls. Again the American
Falls was reduced to a trickle and quickly froze. More importantly, it was this ice flow
that caused the collapse of the Upper Steel Arch Bridge (Honeymoon Bridge).
American Falls where there was normally water. It wasn’t until the ice jam shifted and
broke apart, that the water flow was returned to normal.
A second similar ice jam occurred in January of 1938. The ice jam was so substantial
that it too cut off the main flow of water to the American Falls. Again the American
Falls was reduced to a trickle and quickly froze. More importantly, it was this ice flow
that caused the collapse of the Upper Steel Arch Bridge (Honeymoon Bridge).
On February 7th 1936, as a result of an ice jam at the eastern end of Goat Island the
American Falls froze completely. The flow started to freeze on January 27th. The
American Falls remained frozen for a period of 15 days before the ice dam upriver
broke apart and returned the flow of water of the Falls to normal.
The American Falls today receives only 10% of the total water flow. In the early 1900’
s that flow was much less, perhaps only 5%. The low level of water flow was
amplified because of the beginning of water diversion for hydro generation and the lack
of a method to divert water towards the American shoreline. The riverbed above the
Falls slopes towards the Canadian shore.
American Falls froze completely. The flow started to freeze on January 27th. The
American Falls remained frozen for a period of 15 days before the ice dam upriver
broke apart and returned the flow of water of the Falls to normal.
The American Falls today receives only 10% of the total water flow. In the early 1900’
s that flow was much less, perhaps only 5%. The low level of water flow was
amplified because of the beginning of water diversion for hydro generation and the lack
of a method to divert water towards the American shoreline. The riverbed above the
Falls slopes towards the Canadian shore.
The Niagara River handles 212,000 cubic
feet of water per second. The average depth
is approximately 16 feet with a flow rate of
4 to 8 miles per hour. The Niagara River
does not freeze over. The Falls of Niagara
and the river below the Falls does not freeze
either. The volume of water going over the
Falls, the depth and speed of the water
below the Falls also precludes freezing. The
water will not be stopped or frozen solid.
The ice bridge however does form at the
base of Falls and over portions of the
Niagara River below the Falls. The ice
bridge is formed in late December to the end
of February and into mid March dependant
feet of water per second. The average depth
is approximately 16 feet with a flow rate of
4 to 8 miles per hour. The Niagara River
does not freeze over. The Falls of Niagara
and the river below the Falls does not freeze
either. The volume of water going over the
Falls, the depth and speed of the water
below the Falls also precludes freezing. The
water will not be stopped or frozen solid.
The ice bridge however does form at the
base of Falls and over portions of the
Niagara River below the Falls. The ice
bridge is formed in late December to the end
of February and into mid March dependant
on the weather.
Lake Erie which drains into the Niagara River is a large lake but rather shallow. By the
end of December, the entire lake surface is frozen over. Although an ice boom has been
put into place since the 1960’s at the mouth of the Niagara River and Lake Erie. The
boom holds back most of the ice but not all. When the ice goes over the Falls in volume
the ice freezes to the edges of the gorge and builds upon itself until the river is covered
in this giant layer of ice. This layer has grown to eighty feet thick in the past and
currently 40 feet is not uncommon.
Lake Erie which drains into the Niagara River is a large lake but rather shallow. By the
end of December, the entire lake surface is frozen over. Although an ice boom has been
put into place since the 1960’s at the mouth of the Niagara River and Lake Erie. The
boom holds back most of the ice but not all. When the ice goes over the Falls in volume
the ice freezes to the edges of the gorge and builds upon itself until the river is covered
in this giant layer of ice. This layer has grown to eighty feet thick in the past and
currently 40 feet is not uncommon.
 |  |  |  |
| Note: We are accepting any of the dates before 1911 as long as the Quizmaster realized that the picture was that of a frozen Niagara Falls. I thought I had the date figure out as 1911, but apparently that was only when that postcard was sent that had this picture on the front. The person who wrote the card with that picture on it sent it in 1911, but comments that the last time the falls had frozen over was 1888. So why didn't they say something about the freeze in 1909? My guess is either 1888 or 1909. The dates that I could find it froze are: March 29, 1848 February 24, 1888 1909, 1936, 1938 and 1949 |
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| If you enjoy our quizzes, don't forget to order our books! Click here. |
| If you have a picture you'd like us to feature a picture in a future quiz, please email it to us at CFitzp@aol.com. If we use it, you will receive a free analysis of your picture. You will also receive a free Forensic Genealogy CD or a 10% discount towards the purchase of the Forensic Genealogy book. |
| Quiz #97 Results |
 |  |  |  |
| Answer to Quiz #97 February 18, 2007 |
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| 1. Where was this picture taken? 2. When was it taken? Many thanks to Emily Aulicino, Betty Ware Ellis Nienhaus, Jim Kiser for suggesting this quiz. |
| Does Niagara Falls Freeze over in the Winter? http://www.hotbuffalo.com/index.php/2007/01/25/does-niagara-falls-freeze/ |
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HOWEVER…. The flow of water was stopped completely over both falls on March 29th 1848 due to an ice jam in the upper river for several hours. This is the only known time to have occurred. The Falls did not actually freeze over, but the flow was stopped to the point where people actually walked out and recovered artifacts from the riverbed. |
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| Answers: 1. Niagara Falls 2. Probably 1911 or 1886 |
Yes and No…
The tremendous volume of water never
stops flowing, However, the falling water
and mist create ice formations along the
banks of the falls and river. This can
result in mounds of ice as thick as fifty
feet. If the Winter is cold for long
enough, the ice will completely stretch
across the river and form what is known
as the “ice bridge”. This ice bridge can
extend for several miles down river until
it reaches the area known as the lower
rapids. Until 1912, visitors were allowed
to actually walk out on the ice bridge and
view the Falls from below. February 24th
of 1888 the local newspaper reported that
at least 20,000 people watched or
tobogganed on the ice. Shanties selling
liquor, photographs and curiosities
abounded. On February 4th 1912 the ice
bridge broke up and three tourists lives
were lost.
There can also be a great deal of “mini-
icebergs” which flow down the Niagara
River from frozen Lake Erie. The flow of
The tremendous volume of water never
stops flowing, However, the falling water
and mist create ice formations along the
banks of the falls and river. This can
result in mounds of ice as thick as fifty
feet. If the Winter is cold for long
enough, the ice will completely stretch
across the river and form what is known
as the “ice bridge”. This ice bridge can
extend for several miles down river until
it reaches the area known as the lower
rapids. Until 1912, visitors were allowed
to actually walk out on the ice bridge and
view the Falls from below. February 24th
of 1888 the local newspaper reported that
at least 20,000 people watched or
tobogganed on the ice. Shanties selling
liquor, photographs and curiosities
abounded. On February 4th 1912 the ice
bridge broke up and three tourists lives
were lost.
There can also be a great deal of “mini-
icebergs” which flow down the Niagara
River from frozen Lake Erie. The flow of
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"The Cave of the Winds, gyved with a
marvelous accumulation of ice,
and the great flow of water completely
hidden by crystalline helmets. Such a
sight is rarely to be witnessed,
however, for history records only
three, the last time in 1886, when, it
is said, a million persons visited
Niagara to see the marvelous
exhibition of the ice king."
Postmarked 1911
marvelous accumulation of ice,
and the great flow of water completely
hidden by crystalline helmets. Such a
sight is rarely to be witnessed,
however, for history records only
three, the last time in 1886, when, it
is said, a million persons visited
Niagara to see the marvelous
exhibition of the ice king."
Postmarked 1911
| Congratulations to our Winners! The Brix Network Quiz Response Team: Tom Pincince, Benjamin Bennett, Steve DesRochers Ann Ignacio Mike Pfister Don Holznagel Evan Hindman Mark Syler Cari Thompson Sue Edminster Stan Read Debbie Sterbinsky Gena Ortega Jinny Collins Anna Farris Alice Miles Rick Mackinney Patty Kaliher Neil Ferguson Gary Sterne Judy Pfaff Sandy Thompson Kelly Fetherlin John Chulick Rick Norman Robert McKenna Ruth Govorchin Frank Nollette Mary South Dale Niesen Mary Fraser Fred Stuart |
| Comments from our Readers |
| German Immigrant Ancestors in Syracuse and Onondaga County, NY Postcards from the Elleanor "Nellie" Roberts Kreischer LaClair collection circa 1907-1920's http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~mstone/othernycards.html |
ice has been reduced considerably by the installation of the “ice-boom” on Lake Erie.
The ice-boom is a long floating chain (2miles- 3.2 KM) of steel floats strung across the
Niagara River from Buffalo New York to Fort Erie Ontario. It is set in place during the
month of December and removed during the month of March or April. It is maintained
by the New York State Power Authority. The ice boom helps prevent the ice from
clogging the river and most importantly the hydroelectric companies
The ice-boom is a long floating chain (2miles- 3.2 KM) of steel floats strung across the
Niagara River from Buffalo New York to Fort Erie Ontario. It is set in place during the
month of December and removed during the month of March or April. It is maintained
by the New York State Power Authority. The ice boom helps prevent the ice from
clogging the river and most importantly the hydroelectric companies
The installation of the ice boom at
the mouth of Lake Erie, the building
of the International water control
dam (which regulates water flow)
and milder winters have all but
eliminated the possibility of the
American Falls ever completely
freezing over in modern times.
The American Falls water flow was
reduced to such an extent in 1909,
1936, 1938 and 1949 that it froze
over.
the mouth of Lake Erie, the building
of the International water control
dam (which regulates water flow)
and milder winters have all but
eliminated the possibility of the
American Falls ever completely
freezing over in modern times.
The American Falls water flow was
reduced to such an extent in 1909,
1936, 1938 and 1949 that it froze
over.
| Niagara Falls frozen over. Undated photo. |
The Falls of Niagara still flows as does the water under the ice and the ice shelf seems
to rise on layer of air that builds under the ice surface.
The American Falls have frozen over on six occasions since the keeping of records
began. Each were attributed to ice jams that have actually curtailed the flow of the
American Falls to mere trickles.
Unlike the Horseshoe Falls (which has never frozen over), the American Falls are
susceptible to freezing because of the small amount of water flow. Normally the
American Falls has a peak mean flow of 10,000 cubic feet of water per second. The
winter mean water flow is reduced to less than 8,000 cubic feet of water per second.
This minimal flow is barely sufficient to cover the rock face of the Falls. During harsh
winters, ice frequently built up at eastern end of Goat Island causing an ice dam to
reduce the water flow to the northern channel which feeds water to the American Falls.
As a result water flow is restricted sufficiently that any remaining waters quickly freeze
over.
to rise on layer of air that builds under the ice surface.
The American Falls have frozen over on six occasions since the keeping of records
began. Each were attributed to ice jams that have actually curtailed the flow of the
American Falls to mere trickles.
Unlike the Horseshoe Falls (which has never frozen over), the American Falls are
susceptible to freezing because of the small amount of water flow. Normally the
American Falls has a peak mean flow of 10,000 cubic feet of water per second. The
winter mean water flow is reduced to less than 8,000 cubic feet of water per second.
This minimal flow is barely sufficient to cover the rock face of the Falls. During harsh
winters, ice frequently built up at eastern end of Goat Island causing an ice dam to
reduce the water flow to the northern channel which feeds water to the American Falls.
As a result water flow is restricted sufficiently that any remaining waters quickly freeze
over.
| Stereograms, Frozen Niagara Falls, Undated http://www.seanbuckley.ca/blog/2006/08/28/niagara-falls-was-frozen-in-1911/ |
| The picture at the top (undated photo of Niagara Falls frozen over), seems to correspond to the American Falls. http://www.snopes.com/photos/natural/niagarafalls.asp |
Long before the ice boom was
utilized at the mouth of Lake Erie
to hold back the lake ice, all the
ice flowed through the Niagara
River. The amount of ice flowing
into the river depended upon
winds blowing over the lake. West
& south-west winds brought
more ice flow into the river while
east winds would lessen the
amount.
The April 1909 ice flow was
sufficient to dam off the flow of
water at the eastern end of Goat
Island. What water was left (a
utilized at the mouth of Lake Erie
to hold back the lake ice, all the
ice flowed through the Niagara
River. The amount of ice flowing
into the river depended upon
winds blowing over the lake. West
& south-west winds brought
more ice flow into the river while
east winds would lessen the
amount.
The April 1909 ice flow was
sufficient to dam off the flow of
water at the eastern end of Goat
Island. What water was left (a
| The Ice Bridge Under the Rainbow Bridge, 1997 http://www.niagarafallslive.com/Facts_about_Niagara_F alls.htm |
People are not allowed on the ice
bridge.
The enormous amount of mist
generated from the falling water
creates a picturesque sight as it freezes
on contact against anything it falls
upon along the shoreline creating a
crystallized winter wonderland.
bridge.
The enormous amount of mist
generated from the falling water
creates a picturesque sight as it freezes
on contact against anything it falls
upon along the shoreline creating a
crystallized winter wonderland.
| US Geological Survey of Niagara Falls http://www.niagarafallslive.com/Facts_about_Niag ara_Falls.htm |
| Interesting Facts about Niagara Falls http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niagara_Falls http://www.niagarafallslive.com/Facts_about_Niagara_Falls.htm |
Niagara Falls is a set of massive
waterfalls located on the Niagara River
in eastern North America, on the
waterfalls located on the Niagara River
in eastern North America, on the
border between the United States and Canada. Niagara Falls (French: les Chutes du
Niagara) comprises three separate waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls (Canadian Falls), the
American Falls, and the smaller, adjacent Bridal Veil Falls. The Falls are located 16 miles
(26 km) away from the U.S. city of Buffalo and 43 miles (69 km) from the Canadian
city of Toronto. The distance to downtown Toronto is 80 miles (123 km) when using
roads.
Niagara) comprises three separate waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls (Canadian Falls), the
American Falls, and the smaller, adjacent Bridal Veil Falls. The Falls are located 16 miles
(26 km) away from the U.S. city of Buffalo and 43 miles (69 km) from the Canadian
city of Toronto. The distance to downtown Toronto is 80 miles (123 km) when using
roads.
| American Falls (between Prospect Point and Luna Island) far left Bridal Veil Falls (between Luna Island and Goat Island) mid left Canadian/Horseshoe Falls (between Goat Island and Table Rock) right http://www.niagarafallslive.com/Facts_about_Niagara_Falls.htm |
| Niagara Falls from Space (left) and on GoogleEarth (right) |
| American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls http://www.niagarafallslive.com/Facts_about_Niagara_Falls.htm photo credit: Al Melhinch |
| Canadian "Horseshoe" Falls http://www.niagarafallslive.com/Facts_about_Niagara_Falls.htm |
| American Falls, 1969 http://www.niagarafallslive.com/images/American_Falls_1969.jpg |
The word "Niagara" is derived
from the Iroquois Indian word
"Onguiaahra" meaning "the strait".
from the Iroquois Indian word
"Onguiaahra" meaning "the strait".
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