14 SOUTH BUFFALO FLOODS AND PROPOSED REMEDY. 



posite what is known as Farmers' Point, the channel is to be 

 excavated in the sand and soft blue clay there existing across 

 the narrow neck to the shore of the lake and carried out by 

 pier protection to a depth of water of 18 ft. 



The accompanying diagram shows a cross section of this 

 channel. 



The principal reason for the construction of the new outlet 

 to the lake is because of the occasional uncertain conditions of 

 the present outlet as to its ability to carry off the flood waters 

 in case of ice and boat jams. Ice passing out of the mouth of 

 the river is uncertain. With no wind, or with any but a south- 

 west wind it is possible to keep an outlet open for the ice to 

 reach the open waters at the head of Niagara River. With a 

 strong southwest wind the broken ice around the mouth of the 

 river is driven in and at once closes any outlet channel which 

 may exist. 



The effect of the new breakwater and improved channel to- 

 wards Black Rock Harbor are as yet undetermined quantities. 



The effects of gales on ice obstructions in the lower portion 

 of the river are of as much concern to that portion as to the 

 flooded area. The lower portion of the river will always remain 

 an unsatisfactory outlet for large discharges of water and ice. 

 It is obstructed by bridges and by many vessels moored along 

 its frontage. 



The separate outlet to the lake, as proposed, seems absolutely 

 necessary to the proper and sure attaining of the desired object. 



In studying the records of floods and flood results on the 

 Buffalo River, I note that on February 9th, 1900, several large 

 vessels on the lower river broke from their moorings, doing 

 much damage to themselves and to bridges, and afterwards, 

 with the flowing ice forming an obstruction which produced the 

 highest flood elevation of years along the lower portion of the 

 unimproved river. 



A study of the situation seems to lead to the conclusion that 

 such disasters cannot well be prevented if no other outlet than 

 the present one is provided. This outlet entering the protected 

 area inside of the outer breakwater might not be able to dispose 

 of any large amount of flowing ice, as it will probably jam up 

 against the heavy ice in the outer harbor, but even when com- 

 pletely jammed with ice, it will provide a partial outlet for flood 

 flow and lessen the danger of floods from back water caused by 

 obstructions in the old channel. 



