Determining winter discharge based on hydraulic modeling

At present, the only accurate means of determining discharge under ice-affected conditions is by direct measurement, a costly undertaking that places field staff at personal risk. Consequently, winter discharge hydrographs are often based on interpolation between relatively infrequent direct measure...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering
Main Authors: Hicks, F E, Healy, D
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Canadian Science Publishing 2003
Subjects:
Northwest Territories
Fort McMurray
Mackenzie River
Athabasca River
Fort Providence
Mackenzie river
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/l02-031
http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/l02-031
Description
Summary:At present, the only accurate means of determining discharge under ice-affected conditions is by direct measurement, a costly undertaking that places field staff at personal risk. Consequently, winter discharge hydrographs are often based on interpolation between relatively infrequent direct measurements. This study explores the viability of using gradually varied flow hydraulic modeling to determine winter discharge. Based on an analysis of data obtained on the Mackenzie River near Fort Providence, Northwest Territories, and on the Athabasca River at Fort McMurray, Alberta, it appears that the errors associated with this approach could be as low as 3%. The potential applicability of stage–fall models based on hydraulic model data is also explored as a means to facilitate automated winter discharge measurements. Indications are that the viability of stage–fall modeling is highly dependent on identifying a suitable reach and establishing an adequate range of data. Hydraulic modeling has the potential to address both these issues.Key words: streamflow measurement, rivers, ice, hydraulic modeling, stage–fall analysis.

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