[Lonesome in Massachussets]

The East River really isn’t a river, it’s a tidal basin, connecting Long Island Sound with New York Harbor and is almost as salty as the Atlantic. It receives a small amount of fresh water from the Harlem River, and possibly from rivers draining into Long Island sound.

[cumbo78]

In addition, the Harlem River isn’t a river, either. It catches the incoming tide that pushes up the North River (Hudson) and then runs south bound. When it meets the incoming tide at the confluence of the East “River”, it forms on of the worst pieces of river you’ll ever navigate.

Besides that, The East River can flow up to 8 knots on a swift, outgoing tide. Its NOT freezing over.

[Hoodat]

The East River . . . is almost as salty as the Atlantic.

Eewwww, I wouldn't want to have been the taste-tester who figured that one out.

[FreeReign]

The East River really isn’t a river, it’s a tidal basin, connecting Long Island Sound with New York Harbor and is almost as salty as the Atlantic. It receives a small amount of fresh water from the Harlem River, and possibly from rivers draining into Long Island sound.

Yes, the East "River" being salt water makes it freezing over even more impressive.

No mention in this article about the Hudson River, it freezing over, and the ferry services across it.