Author(s): Jon. E. Zufelt; Johannes Larsen; Randy D. Crissman

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Abstract: This paper describes the use of a physical model of the Grass Island Pool (GIP) reach of the upper Niagara River, as described by Larsen et al. (1994), to assess the relationship between the physical and hydropower use characteristics of the GIP and the occurrence of ice stoppages and ice jams in the GIP and the Tonawanda Channel (refer to Crissman et aI. (1994) for description of site). The physical modeling of the ice jamming processes in the river was complicated and required substantial input from data and observations of historical ice jamming events, as well as field measurements of selected ice and hydraulic characteristics of the river. Three phases of modeling were required for the study; calibration (open-water and ice-affected), baseline testing, and screening testing of measures that might reduce the potential for ice jamming. The open water calibration of the model is described by Larsen et aI. (1994). This paper describes the ice-affected calibration of the model, the baseline testing, and the screening testing. Finally, measures that appear to improve the ice transport capacity of the GIP, and hence reduce the potential for ice jamming, are discussed and compared to other less effective measures. The performance of the mitigating measures was evaluated by applying the criteria established by Etterna et aI. (1994).

DOI:

Year: 1994