scholarly journals A Canadian River Ice Database from the National Hydrometric Program Archives

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 1835-1860 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurent de Rham ◽  
Yonas Dibike ◽  
Spyros Beltaos ◽  
Daniel Peters ◽  
Barrie Bonsal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Level ◽  
Hydrological Cycle ◽  
Open Water ◽  
Cold Climate ◽  
River Ice ◽  
Ice Thickness ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Spring Break ◽  
Break Up

Abstract. River ice, like open-water conditions, is an integral component of the cold-climate hydrological cycle. The annual succession of river ice formation, growth, decay and clearance can include low flows and ice jams, as well as midwinter and spring break-up events. Reports and associated data of river ice occurrence are often limited to single locations or regional assessments, are season-specific, and use readily available data. Within Canada, the National Hydrometric Program (NHP) operates a network of gauging stations with water level as the primary measured variable to derive discharge. In the late 1990s, the Water Science and Technology Directorate of Environment and Climate Change Canada initiated a long-term effort to compile, archive and extract river-ice-related information from NHP hydrometric records. This data article describes the original research data set produced by this near 20-year effort: the Canadian River Ice Database (CRID). The CRID holds almost 73 000 recorded variables from a subset of 196 NHP stations throughout Canada that were in operation within the period 1894 to 2015. Over 100 000 paper and digital files were reviewed, representing 10 378 station years of active operation. The task of compiling this database involved manual extraction and input of more than 460 000 data entries on water level, discharge, ice thickness, date, time and data quality rating. Guidelines on the data extraction, rating procedure and challenges are provided. At each location, time series of up to 15 variables specific to the occurrence of freeze-up and winter-low events, midwinter break-up, ice thickness, spring break-up, and maximum open-water level were compiled. This database follows up on several earlier efforts to compile information on river ice, which are summarized herein, and expands the scope and detail for use in Canadian river ice research and applications. Following the Government of Canada Open Data initiative, this original river ice data set is available at https://doi.org/10.18164/c21e1852-ba8e-44af-bc13-48eeedfcf2f4 (de Rham et al., 2020).

scholarly journals A Canadian River Ice Database from National Hydrometric Program Archives

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurent de Rham ◽  
Yonas Dibike ◽  
Spyros Beltaos ◽  
Daniel Peters ◽  
Barrie Bonsal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Level ◽  
Cold Climate ◽  
River Ice ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Measured Variable ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Spring Break ◽  
Break Up ◽  
The Government ◽  
Government Of Canada

Abstract. River ice is a common occurrence in cold climate hydrological systems. The annual cycle of river ice formation, growth, decay and clearance can include low flows and ice jams, as well as mid-winter and spring break-up events. Reports and associated data on river ice occurrence are often limited to site and season-specific studies. Within Canada, the National Hydrometric Program (NHP) operates a network of gauging stations with water level as the primary measured variable to derive discharge. In the late 1990s, the Water Science and Technology Directorate of Environment and Climate Change Canada initiated a long-term effort to compile, archive and extract river ice related information from NHP hydrometric records. This data article describes the original research data set produced by this near 20-year effort: the Canadian River Ice Database (CRID). The CRID holds almost 73,000 variables from a network of 196 NHP stations throughout Canada that were in operation within the period 1894 to 2015. Over 100,000 paper and digital files were reviewed representing 10,378 station-years of active operation. The task of compiling this database involved manual extraction and input of more than 460,000 data entries on water level, discharge, date, time and data quality rating. Guidelines on the data extraction, rating procedure and challenges are provided. At each location, a time series of up to 15 variables specific to the occurrence of freeze-up and winter-low events, mid-winter break-up, ice thickness, spring break-up and maximum open-water level were compiled. This database follows up on several earlier efforts to compile information on river ice, which are summarized herein, and expands the scope and detail for use in Canadian river ice research and applications. Following the Government of Canada Open Data initiative, this original river ice data set is available at: https://doi.org/10.18164/c21e1852-ba8e-44af-bc13-48eeedfcf2f4 (de Rham et al., 2020).

scholarly journals Brief Communication: Mapping river ice using drones and structure from motion

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 627-633 ◽  
Author(s):  
Knut Alfredsen ◽  
Christian Haas ◽  
Jeffrey A. Tuhtan ◽  
Peggy Zinke
Keyword(s):  
Structure From Motion ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cold Climate ◽  
River Ice ◽  
River Morphology ◽  
Ice Thickness ◽  
Surface Model ◽  
Engineering Data ◽  
Site Access ◽  
Remote Sensing Methods

Abstract. In cold climate regions, the formation and break-up of river ice is important for river morphology, winter water supply, and riparian and instream ecology as well as for hydraulic engineering. Data on river ice is therefore significant, both to understand river ice processes directly and to assess ice effects on other systems. Ice measurement is complicated due to difficult site access, the inherent complexity of ice formations, and the potential danger involved in carrying out on-ice measurements. Remote sensing methods are therefore highly useful, and data from satellite-based sensors and, increasingly, aerial and terrestrial imagery are currently applied. Access to low cost drone systems with quality cameras and structure from motion software opens up a new possibility for mapping complex ice formations. Through this method, a georeferenced surface model can be built and data on ice thickness, spatial distribution, and volume can be extracted without accessing the ice, and with considerably fewer measurement efforts compared to traditional surveying methods. A methodology applied to ice mapping is outlined here, and examples are shown of how to successfully derive quantitative data on ice processes.

scholarly journals River ice flux and water velocities along a 600 km long reach of Lena River, Siberia, from satellite stereo

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 9967-9997 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Kääb ◽  
M. Lamare ◽  
M. Abrams
Keyword(s):  
River Flow ◽  
Thermal Emission ◽  
Time Lag ◽  
Open Water ◽  
Image Resolution ◽  
Surface Velocity ◽  
River Ice ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Hazard Management ◽  
Lena River

Abstract. Knowledge of water-surface velocities in rivers is useful for understanding a range of river processes. In cold regions, river-ice break up and the related downstream transport of ice debris is often the most important hydrological event of the year, leading to flood levels that typically exceed those for the open-water period and to strong consequences for river infrastructure and ecology. Accurate and complete surface-velocity fields on rivers have rarely been produced. Here, we track river ice debris over a time period of about one minute, which is the typical time lag between the two or more images that form a stereo data set in spaceborne, along-track optical stereo-mapping. Using a series of 9 stereo scenes from the US/Japanese Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) onboard the NASA Terra spacecraft with 15 m image resolution, we measure the ice and water velocity field over a 620 km long reach of the lower Lena River, Siberia, just above its entry into the Lena delta. Careful analysis and correction of higher-order image and sensor errors enables an accuracy of ice-debris velocities of up to 0.04 m s−1 from the ASTER data. Maximum ice or water speeds, respectively, reach up to 2.5 m s−1 at the time of data acquisition, 27 May 2011 (03:30 UTC). Speeds show clear along-stream undulations with a wavelength of about 21 km that agree well with variations in channel width and with the location of sand bars along the river reach studied. The methodology and results of this study could be valuable to a number of disciplines requiring detailed information about river flow, such as hydraulics, hydrology, river ecology and natural-hazard management.

scholarly journals River ice flux and water velocities along a 600 km-long reach of Lena River, Siberia, from satellite stereo

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 4671-4683 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Kääb ◽  
M. Lamare ◽  
M. Abrams
Keyword(s):  
River Flow ◽  
Thermal Emission ◽  
Time Lag ◽  
Open Water ◽  
Image Resolution ◽  
Surface Velocity ◽  
River Ice ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Hazard Management ◽  
Lena River

Abstract. Knowledge of water-surface velocities in rivers is useful for understanding a range of river processes. In cold regions, river-ice break up and the related downstream transport of ice debris is often the most important hydrological event of the year, leading to flood levels that typically exceed those for the open-water period and to strong consequences for river infrastructure and ecology. Accurate and complete surface-velocity fields on rivers have rarely been produced. Here, we track river ice debris over a time period of about one minute, which is the typical time lag between the two or more images that form a stereo data set in spaceborne, along-track optical stereo mapping. Using a series of nine stereo scenes from the US/Japanese Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) onboard the NASA Terra spacecraft with 15 m image resolution, we measure the ice and water velocity field over a 620 km-long reach of the lower Lena River, Siberia, just above its entry into the Lena delta. Careful analysis and correction of higher-order image and sensor errors enables an accuracy of ice-debris velocities of up to 0.04 m s−1 from the ASTER data. Maximum ice or water speeds, respectively, reach up to 2.5 m s−1 at the time of data acquisition, 27 May 2011 (03:30 UTC). Speeds show clear along-stream undulations with a wavelength of about 21 km that agree well with variations in channel width and with the location of sand bars along the river reach studied. The methodology and results of this study could be valuable to a number of disciplines requiring detailed information about river flow, such as hydraulics, hydrology, river ecology and natural-hazard management.

scholarly journals Brief communication: Mapping river ice using drones and structure from motion

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Knut Alfredsen ◽  
Christian Haas ◽  
Jeffrey A. Tuhtan ◽  
Peggy Zinke
Keyword(s):  
Structure From Motion ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cold Climate ◽  
River Ice ◽  
River Morphology ◽  
Ice Thickness ◽  
Potential Danger ◽  
Engineering Data ◽  
Site Access ◽  
Remote Sensing Methods

Abstract. In cold climate regions, the formation and break-up of river ice is important for river morphology, winter water supply, riparian and instream ecology as well as for hydraulic engineering. Data on river ice is therefore significant, both to understand river ice processes directly and to assess ice effects on other systems. Ice measurement is complicated due to difficult site access, the inherent complexity of ice formations and the potential danger involved in carrying out on-ice measurements. Remote sensing methods are therefore highly useful, and satellite imagery, data from satellite-based radars as increasingly aerial and terrestrial imagery are currently applied. Access to low cost drone systems with quality cameras and Structure from Motion software opens up a new possibility for mapping complex ice formations. Through this method, a georeferenced DEM can be built and data on ice thickness, spatial distribution and volume can be extracted without accessing the ice and with considerable less measurement efforts compared to traditional surveying methods. The methodology applied to ice mapping is outlined here, and examples are shown on how to successfully apply the method to derive data on ice processes.

Wastewater Lagoons in a Cold Climate

1987 ◽  
Vol 19 (12) ◽  
pp. 47-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Oleszkiewicz ◽  
A. B. Sparling
Keyword(s):  
Control Mechanism ◽  
Maximum Load ◽  
Domestic Sewage ◽  
Full Scale ◽  
Cold Climate ◽  
Odor Control ◽  
Intermittent Rivers ◽  
In Series ◽  
Break Up ◽  
Lagoon Systems

Severe climate, intermittent rivers and availability of land make facultative lagoon systems the method of choice in treating primarily domestic sewage from smaller municipalities. The lagoons are designed on a recommended maximum load of 55 kgBOD5/ha d to first cell, while the second cell provides storage. The discharge is twice annually and the occurrence of the spring ice break-up odor period is one of the primary criteria limiting this load. Based on full scale performance data, it is demonstrated that, from the standpoint of odor nuisance, the load to the first cell should be kept equal to or less than 35 kg/ha d. Full scale studies of an overloaded lagoon system show the futility of under-ice aeration for odor control. Mechanism of natural odor control during ice break up is elucidated. Upgrading of the overloaded systems or lagoons receiving significant industrial contribution is best achieved by construction of a 3–5 m deep aerated lagoon preceding the two or more facultative cells in series.

scholarly journals Observations of Freeze-Up and Break-Up of the Yukon River at Beaver, Alaska

1955 ◽  
Vol 2 (17) ◽  
pp. 488-495 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. John Williams
Keyword(s):  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Local Economy ◽  
River Temperature ◽  
Ice Jams ◽  
Channel Current ◽  
Spring Break ◽  
Yukon River ◽  
Ice Concentration ◽  
Break Up ◽  
Temporary Rise

AbstractObservations of fall freeze-up and spring break-up, important to subarctic hydrology and to local economy, were made at the Yukon River town of Beaver, Alaska, September 1949 to June 1950. On October 15, with river temperature at 0° C., the freezing together of floating ice crystals formed thin ice pans that gradually thickened. Falling river level and increasingly heavy ice concentration choked off all but main channels. On 25 October ice jammed downstream and produced a continuous ice cover and a temporary rise of about 1 m. at Beaver. After 26 October the river resumed its drop in level until April. Freeze-up appears governed by local channel, current and weather conditions and lacks systematic progression either upstream or downstream.Spring thaw beginning in late April thawed snow cover and weakened river ice. In early May the river began to rise slowly, but at an increasing rate, until 13 May when ice was nearly free from shore. On 14 May, after a rise of about 3 m. in 24 hours, the ice broke and moved downstream as the flood crest passed Beaver. Downstream progression of break-up is delayed by local ice jams, the chief cause of disastrous river floods, and is advanced by early break-up of large tributaries.

Model Tests in Brash Ice Channels

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jens-Holger Hellmann ◽  
Karl-Heinz Rupp ◽  
Walter L. Kuehnlein
Keyword(s):  
Perforated Plate ◽  
Ice Sheet ◽  
Open Water ◽  
Model Tests ◽  
Ice Thickness ◽  
Special Device ◽  
Level Ice ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Parental Level ◽  
Oil Tankers

According to the present Finnish-Swedish Ice Class Rules (FSICR) the formulas for the required main engine power for tankers led to much bigger main engines than it is needed for the demanded open water speed. Therefore model tests may be performed in order to verify the vessel’s capability to sail with less required power in brash ice channels compared to the calculations. Several model test runs have been performed in order to study the performance of crude oil tankers sailing in brash ice. The tests were performed as towed propulsion tests and the brash ice channel was prepared according to the guidelines set up by the Finnish Maritime Administration (FMA). The channel width was 2 times the beam of the tanker. The model tests were carried out at a speed of 5 knots. For the tests a parental level ice sheet of adequate thickness is prepared according to HSVA’s standard model ice preparation procedure. After a predefined level ice thickness has been reached, the air temperature in the ice tank will be raised. An ice channel with straight edges will be cut into the ice sheet by means of two ice knives. The ice stripe between the two cuts will be manually broken up into relatively small ice pieces using a special ice chisel and if required the brash ice material will be compacted. Typically the brash ice thickness will be measured prior the tests at 9 positions across the channel and every two meter over the entire length of the brash ice channel with a special device, which consists of a measuring rule with a perforated plate mounted under a right angle at the lower end of the rule. As a result of the tests it could be demonstrated that tankers with a capacity of more than 50 000 tons require 50% and even less power compared to calculations using the present FSICR formulas.

Catchment-scale evaluation of pollution potential of urban snow at two residential catchments in southern Finland

2013 ◽  
Vol 68 (10) ◽  
pp. 2164-2170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nora Sillanpää ◽  
Harri Koivusalo
Keyword(s):  
Snow Water Equivalent ◽  
Hydrological Cycle ◽  
Cold Climate ◽  
Road Maintenance ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Small Surface ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Snow Water ◽  
High Level ◽  
Mass Loads

Despite the crucial role of snow in the hydrological cycle in cold climate conditions, monitoring studies of urban snow quality often lack discussions about the relevance of snow in the catchment-scale runoff management. In this study, measurements of snow quality were conducted at two residential catchments in Espoo, Finland, simultaneously with continuous runoff measurements. The results of the snow quality were used to produce catchment-scale estimates of areal snow mass loads (SML). Based on the results, urbanization reduced areal snow water equivalent but increased pollutant accumulation in snow: SMLs in a medium-density residential catchment were two- to four-fold higher in comparison with a low-density residential catchment. The main sources of pollutants were related to vehicular traffic and road maintenance, but also pet excrement increased concentrations to a high level. Ploughed snow can contain 50% of the areal pollutant mass stored in snow despite its small surface area within a catchment.

scholarly journals Airborne River-Ice Thickness Profiling with Helicopter-Borne UHF Short-Pulse Radar

1987 ◽  
Vol 33 (115) ◽  
pp. 330-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven A Arcone ◽  
Allan J Delaney
Keyword(s):  
Short Pulse ◽  
Hanging Wall ◽  
Open Water ◽  
High Water ◽  
High Water Content ◽  
Ice Thickness ◽  
Frazil Ice ◽  
Pulse Radar ◽  
Detailed Surface ◽  
Ice Conditions

AbstractThe ice-thickness profiling performance of a helicopter-mounted short-pulse radar operating at approximate center frequencies of 600 and 900 MHz was assessed. The antenna packages were mounted 1.2 m off the skid of a small helicopter whose speed and altitude were varied from about 1.8 to 9 m/s and 3 to 12 m. Clutter from the helicopter offered minimal interference with the ice data. Data were acquired in Alaska over lakes (as a proving exercise) and two rivers, whose conditions varied from open water to over 1.5 m of solid ice with numerous frazil-ice formations. The most readily interpretable data were acquired when the ice or snow surface was smooth. Detailed surface investigations on the Tanana River revealed good correlations of echo delay with solid ice depth, but an insensitivity to frazil-ice depth due to its high water content. On the Yukon River, coinciding temporally coherent surface and bottom reflections were associated with solid ice and smooth surfaces. All cases of incoherent surface returns (scatter) occurred over ice rubble. Rough-surface scattering was always followed by the appearance of bottom scattering but, in many cases, including a hanging-wall formation of solid frazil ice, bottom scattering occurred beneath coherent, smooth-surface reflections. Areas of incoherent bottom scattering investigated by drilling revealed highly variable ice conditions, including frazil ice. The minimum ice thickness that could be resolved from the raw data was about 0.2 m with the 600 MHz antenna and less than 0.15 m with the 900 MHz antenna.

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