Ice in reservoirs and regulated rivers
Mikko Huokuna, Mike Morris, Spyros Beltaos, Brian C. Burrell
Abstract
In a river with seasonal ice covers, river ice effects must be considered in the design and operation of water control structures such as dams, barrages, and spillways. The regulation of flow and the water levels of rivers and reservoirs have several hydrological, socio-economic, and ecological effects. Regulation alters river-ice regimes by modifying the temporal and spatial characteristics of flow, water level, and thermal regimes in a watercourse. Removal of a water control structure and reservoir can eliminate some problems, but create new problems in areas where environmental or development conditions have changed. Therefore, thorough review of proposals to regulate (or remove regulation on) a river with seasonal ice covers is necessary. The effects of regulation on ice conditions and vice-versa are reviewed in this paper. Although considerable progress has been made during recent years, adequate understanding of the effects of river-ice interaction with structures and the effect of regulation on geomorphology, people, and aquatic habitat requires additional research.