One of the most glorious waterfalls existing on the planet, Niagra Falls, has become partially frozen. The latest sub-zero temperatures in the United States have led to the partially frozen condition of Niagara Falls. There is a lot more to concluding what is precisely happening at the falls in just one sentence. Because it is not every day that you see gigantic falls outpouring frozen droplets. Keep reading to know everything in detail.
What led to the freezing of Niagara Falls?

Currently, people in the United States are spinning around in freezing-cold temperatures as a harsh winter storm has taken all over the country. Addressed as the “Bomb Cyclone”, the blizzard condition took place on Wednesday (December 21, 2022), spreading extreme difficulty to millions of Americans, travellers, and visitors. The weather took a severe turn on Sunday (December 24, 2022), leading to an unbelievable drop in temperature and zero electrical connectivity in several areas.

A huge section of the massive Falls is presently resting in complete silence, with not even a single streaming droplet. However, even though several parts of the Falls are entirely frozen, the steep volume of water that pours out, along with the regular movement of the strong outflow, it is difficult for the falls to get fully frozen.
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How did Niagara Falls freeze?
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One of the most well-known tourist destinations, Niagara Falls is planted 40 kilometres away from Buffalo, the city that is most affected by the storm. It is mainly situated on the border of Ontario, Canada and New York. A part of the Falls turned into ice slowly after the sheer drop in temperatures. It is only during specific chilled temperatures that the spray as well as the mist start to form a crust on top of the moving water. Altogether, it makes it look as if the Falls have entirely stopped outflowing. Whereas, the water keeps flowing beneath the ice sheets.
The illusion of the falls getting totally frozen attracts more tourists from across the world
#Niagara falls, partially frozen.
What Global warming doing?#snow pic.twitter.com/JQFpNqAXYY
— Info Warrior (@InfoWarriorNews) December 28, 2022
The Niagara Peninsula became ice-free nearly 12,500 years ago. As the ice escaped towards the north, its meltwaters started to run down through what evolved into Lake Erie, the Niagara River, and Lake Ontario. To date, there has only been one such instance in the history of Niagara Falls that it froze to an extent that the outpour of water completely stopped. This happened on March 29, 1848. The incident originated in Lake Erie.
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The great Niagara Falls has frozen a few times in the past.
Let’s see – 1848, 1911, 1912, 1917, 2014, 2015 and again in 2022.
Below are some spectacular pictures from the past. pic.twitter.com/CkwTFGVR22
— James J. Marlow (@James_J_Marlow) December 28, 2022
The Falls partially freeze during most of the winter seasons, however, they no longer completely freeze especially to a level that interrupts the flow of the gushing water. Prominent years that have exhibited some majestic views of the frozen Niagara Falls count as 1985, 1902, 1906, 1911, 1932, 1936, 2014, 2017, and 2021. The illusion of the falls getting totally frozen is because of the accumulation of ice by the outer part of the Falls. This is why, even though the water continues to flow, it appears to the travellers and tourists that the outflow is stopped. This scenic beauty, in particular, makes tourists travel from all around the world to watch Niagara Falls during the winter season.
Hero and Feature Image Credit: Instagram
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: Prominent years that have exhibited some majestic views of the frozen Niagara Falls count as 1985, 1902, 1906, 1911, 1932, 1936, 2014, and 2017.
Answer: To date, there has only been one such instance in the history of Niagara Falls that it froze to an extent that the outpour of water completely stopped. This happened on March 29, 1848.
Answer: It is an absolute treat to visit Niagara Falls during winter. The illusion of the falls getting totally frozen is because of the accumulation of ice by the outer part of the Falls. This is why, even though the water continues to flow, it appears to the travellers and tourists that the outflow is stopped. This scenic beauty, in particular, makes tourists travel from all around the world to watch Niagara Falls during the winter season.
Answer: The latest sub-zero temperatures in the United States have led to the partially frozen condition of Niagara Falls.
Answer: The Falls partially freeze during most of the winter seasons, however, they no longer completely freeze especially to a level that interrupts the flow of the gushing water. Prominent years that have exhibited some majestic views of the frozen Niagara Falls count as 1985, 1902, 1906, 1911, 1932, 1936, 2014, and 2017. The illusion of the falls getting totally frozen is because of the accumulation of ice by the outer part of the Falls. This is why, even though the water continues to flow, it appears to the travellers and tourists that the outflow is stopped. This scenic beauty, in particular, makes tourists travel from all around the world to watch Niagara Falls during the winter season.
Answer: One of the most well-known tourist destinations, Niagara Falls is planted 40 kilometres away from Buffalo, the city that is most affected by the storm. It is mainly situated on the border of Ontario, Canada and New York.
Answer: One of the most well-known tourist destinations, Niagara Falls is planted 40 kilometres away from Buffalo, the city that is most affected by the storm. It is mainly situated on the border of Ontario, Canada and New York.