The Day Niagara Falls Was Drained

Imagine if you had the chance to hop on a time machine and transport yourself back to the year 1969. What you would witness would be nothing short of breathtaking? Instead of a barren and desolate wasteland, you would see one of the mightiest waterfalls in the world, now completely parched and dry. Surprisingly, the American side of Niagara Falls went without water for a staggering six months during that summer and autumn season. The reason behind this strange phenomenon was that researchers were concerned about the stability of the rock face of the falls, which was gradually being eroded. They needed to take a closer look at it and investigate its structure to prevent any unforeseen disasters in the future.

Erosion is a natural process where elements like water and wind erode Earthen materials. When glacial ice appears muddy, it's an indication that erosion is taking place. One of the most magnificent natural wonders in the world is Niagara Falls, which straddles the international border between Canada and the United States. It consists of three waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. The American Falls are entirely on the American side and are the second-largest of the three. The Horseshoe Falls, which are the largest, are primarily on the Canadian side but are separated by Goat Island. The smallest of the three, Bridal Veil Falls, is on the American side and is separated from the others by Luna Island. Isn't it amazing how nature has created a unique and beautiful border between the United States and Canada?

Many people doubted whether it was possible to overcome the sheer power of nature and stop the incredible volume of water flowing through Niagara Falls. Yet, we managed to do so by constructing a massive 600-foot Dam across the Niagara River. This allowed us to control the flow of water, diverting a staggering 60,000 gallons per second. As a result, the remaining flow was directed over the largest Horseshoe Falls, which are situated entirely on the Canadian side of the border. To build the dam, over 27,000 tons of rock were required, and more than a thousand trucks transported it in the scorching summer of '69. It was truly an impressive feat of engineering to see humans master the power of nature.

On June 12th, the American Falls ceased to flow for the first time in over 12,000 years. The excess water was then diverted to the Horseshoe Falls to allow for research to be conducted. However, locals were understandably concerned. They knew that it was impossible to control such a vast amount of water, and they feared that it could take a different route and cause catastrophic flooding. Moreover, they worried that tourists would stop visiting the area if the teams couldn't manage to restore the waterfall's flow to its former glory. Despite these concerns, tourists continued to flock to the area that summer, eager to witness something that had never been seen before or since. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that captured the attention and imagination of people from all over the world.

During the dry period, a temporary walkway was constructed just 20 feet from the edge of the American Falls. This allowed workers to clean the riverbed and prepare it for tourists to explore the previously inaccessible landscape. Visitors were able to walk along the dried riverbed, which was usually submerged and off-limits due to its hostile conditions. As researchers explored the area, they made an unexpected discovery: millions of coins that had been tossed into the water by visitors over the decades, perhaps as a wish for good luck or some other purpose. It was like a Niagara Falls piggy bank! Most of these coins were removed, but it's unclear who ended up with them. One can only imagine the stories and secrets contained within this vast collection of submerged treasures.

In recent years, the number of tourists visiting Niagara Falls has continued to increase, raising the possibility of new discoveries in the dry riverbed. With more visitors come more lost items, including cameras, drones, cell phones, and other belongings that can accidentally fall into the water. While the feat of stopping the falls and creating a dry riverbed was a remarkable achievement, there may come a time when it needs to be done again in the future. Who knows what new secrets and treasures might be uncovered if the falls were to run dry once more?

In 2020, news reports surfaced that the two pedestrian bridges spanning Niagara Falls were in need of repair or replacement. Given that these structures are nearly 120 years old, it's not surprising that they require attention. The bridges are situated above the Rapids, and experts are currently debating whether or not to divert the water once more in order to facilitate repairs.

Niagara Falls may be one of the most talked-about waterfalls globally, but they're not the tallest. Despite being famous and stunning, there are almost 500 waterfalls worldwide that surpass their height. For instance, Angel Falls in Venezuela towers over Niagara at more than three thousand feet tall.

Niagara Falls has a unique characteristic that sets it apart from other waterfalls - the sheer volume of water that cascades over it. While taller waterfalls may not have the same amount of water flowing over them, Niagara Falls has both the height and the quantity of water, making it a truly spectacular sight. Additionally, the falls may be one of the fastest-moving waterfalls in the world, adding to their impressive nature.

The Niagara River and the Great Lakes Basin were formed after the last ice age, about 18,000 years ago. The area was covered by thick ice sheets, which moved southward and shaped the landscape. When the ice sheets melted, they released huge amounts of water into the basin, forming the Niagara River. The waterfall we know today didn't exist back then.

Most of the water we drink is ancient and non-renewable, commonly referred to as fossil water. Only one percent of the world's water supply renews within a year, while the remaining 99 percent comes from sources such as melting ice sheets. The Niagara Peninsula has been ice-free for over 12,500 years. As the ice melted, the resulting water began to flow through what would eventually become the Niagara River, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. Over time, the water eroded the cliffs and created the stunning Niagara Falls we see today.

You may have noticed that the Niagara River has a stunning green color. This color is due to the power of the water when it comes to erosion. Every minute, Niagara Falls releases more than 60 tons of dissolved minerals, along with dissolved salt and finely ground rock, giving the water its magnificent color.

Over a million people who have access to the Niagara River area in the United States and Canada use its waters for various purposes. These include fishing, obtaining drinking water, engaging in recreational activities such as swimming, boating, and bird watching, producing hydroelectric power, and much more.

The first hydroelectric power plant was built near Niagara Falls at the end of the 19th century. It quickly became profitable as people started getting electricity from it. However, the electricity could only travel a short distance of 300 feet, so improvements were needed to expand its reach.

Nikola Tesla played a crucial role in improving the Niagara Falls hydroelectric power system. He realized that using an alternating current could enable electricity to travel over long distances, and he made the necessary modifications. Today, multiple power plants at Niagara Falls generate over 2 million kilowatts of power, providing electricity to many people.

1969 is not the only instance where Niagara Falls has come to a halt. As a matter of fact, in 1848, the falls experienced a similar pause, with the water not cascading over the edge for as long as 40 hours.

The Falls, a popular tourist attraction and local energy source, were plunged into chaos. The culprit? None other than Mother Nature herself. A block of ice had obstructed the source of the Niagara River, causing widespread panic. The first to notice was an intrepid American farmer, who, on the night of March 29th, decided to take a leisurely stroll. To his dismay, he realized that the mighty roar of the falls was no longer audible. Rushing to the river's edge, he was greeted by an eerie sight - a stark lack of water. The implications were dire - factories and mills dependent on the river's water supply were forced to shutter, while the local ecosystem was plunged into disarray. Turtles aimlessly wandered about, and fish could no longer survive. Some individuals even ventured onto the riverbed, scavenging for souvenirs in the midst of this ecological crisis.

However, just two days later, on March 31st, a distant rumbling was heard coming from upstream. The sound grew increasingly louder and nearer until a colossal wall of water materialized before their very eyes. And thus, one of the world's greatest attractions, which draws millions of tourists every year, was back in action once more - grandiose, resilient, and utterly invincible, as it should be.