Author(s): Randy D. Crissman

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Abstract: The important processes which affect the formation of ice jams in the upper Niagara River were identified through a review of historical observations and rudimentary hydraulic and statistical analyses. This effort was an important step in the implementation of the Plan described by Crissman et al. (1994) to assess the relationship between the design and operation of the New York Power Authority's (NYPA) Niagara Power Project and Ontario Hydro's (OH) Sir Adam Beck (SAB) Generating Stations and the occurrence of ice jams in the river. This provided valuable input for the modeling studies prescribed in the Plan. In fact, it would not have been possible to adequately model the ice jamming processes in the river without the insight derived from this effort. Much of the insight was derived from observations and measurements of ice, hydraulic, and meteorological conditions from five historical lake ice runs. Examples of the data and the analyses used to identify the important processes which affect the occurrence of ice jams in the upper Niagara River are presented. Nine elements or stages of ice jam formation are described that affect the occurrence of an ice jam and its severity. Lastly, important inputs to the modeling studies derived from this effort are discussed.

DOI:

Year: 1994