Niagara Falls - Closed for Dredging?
Jan 23rd, 2006, 09:21 AM
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Niagara Falls - Closed for Dredging?
I've read someplace that they may close the falls at some point this year to clean the area - it's pretty extensive when it will be done.
Will this happen, and if so, when.
We were considering a trip there the first week in October for a few days primarily to stay in a hotel over the falls (so we want them running).
Lois
Will this happen, and if so, when.
We were considering a trip there the first week in October for a few days primarily to stay in a hotel over the falls (so we want them running).
Lois
Jan 23rd, 2006, 10:16 AM
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Hi Lois, with the volume of water involved, the falls could never be closed completely. If they are doing cleaning of some sort I imagine there could be some water diverted from one part to another but not closed. Where did you hear this? If it were true, I think we had all better start building an ark! Check out http://www.niagarafallslive.com/Fact...gara_Falls.htm for further info. I'm sure you will be just fine coming in October.
Jan 23rd, 2006, 10:38 AM
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I think they did actually completely "turn off" the falls in the past at some point . . . but even if it is possible, I doubt they would do it now. Too many tourist $$ lost.
One interesting tid-bit is that the falls only ever run at about 1/2 capacity. (The rest being diverted for use in the Hydro stations). There has been talk about having one day a year where they would turn the falls on "full blast". It would be fantastic to see them as they are naturally.
One interesting tid-bit is that the falls only ever run at about 1/2 capacity. (The rest being diverted for use in the Hydro stations). There has been talk about having one day a year where they would turn the falls on "full blast". It would be fantastic to see them as they are naturally.
Jan 23rd, 2006, 02:17 PM
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I do not think that it is possible to "turn off" Niagara Falls completely! A lot of water is always diverted for eletricity generation. More is taken at night when fewer people are looking. This water is pumped up to big reservoirs and released to the turbines during the when demand is higher during the day. They may want to remove some of the stones at the base of the American Falls. I think I recall this being done at some time in the past.
Jan 23rd, 2006, 05:40 PM
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Yes, I remember well the American Falls being 'turned off'. They totally diverted them to clear away the rocks. This was back i the 1960's or early 70's, I think. I remember taking pictures. But I have not heard of any plans to do it again. I really can't imagine them ever diverting the Horseshoe Falls.
Jan 26th, 2006, 03:41 AM
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I cannot find where I read something about this for 2006, that's why I asked. But here's something off the Niagara Falls site about the flow:
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.
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.
