Flow Control to Manage River Ice

Book excerpt: This report describes flow-control methods for reducing ice problems in rivers. Objectives include reducing ice interference with winter hydroelectric production and navigation, ice jam flood mitigation, as well as ensuring minimum winter flows for fish and water supply. The winter season is divided into three periods. During early winter, the main objective of flow control is to promote the rapid formation of a smooth, stable ice cover. For the midwinter period, the aim of the river regulation is to maintain an intact ice cover and avoid premature ice breakup. During the final winter period, the goal is to minimize adverse effects of ice breakup. Examples illustrate the methods and objectives, emphasizing innovative approaches. Available flow regulation planning tools are described and valuable research directions identified.