Author(s): David Andres; Gary Van Der Vinne
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: This paper examines the effects of climate change on the ice regime of the Peace River in Alberta, Canada. The river is regulated for hydropower purposes, and freeze-up and the development of the ice cover is dependent on both the winter meteorological characteristics and the highly regulated discharge regime. A numerical model that simulates the upstream advance of the head of the ice cover during freeze-up was calibrated using historical data, some of which was collected in very mild winters. Simulations of the freeze-up for the changed climate indicate that consolidation will be the dominant ice development mechanism and that freeze-up typically will be one month later. If winter releases are reduced to about 60% of the current levels, the effects of the changed climate can be offset and the normal dates of freeze-up can be re-established.
Year: 1998