Author(s): Fred E. Parkinson; Louis Poulin
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Abstract: Detailed observations were carried out during the spring of 1991 on the breakup characteristics of the rivers in the region where the proposed Great Whale Hydroelectric Complex will be developed in Northern Quebec. Prime requirements of the study were to determine the influences that the projects would have on the environment in terms of the breakup timing, which plays an important role in the harlequin ducks' return to the North each spring. Along with this important environmental aspect, the study provided a unique opportunity to observe the complete breakup cycle over a length of more than 1,000 km of rivers. Two types of rivers were observed; those affected by the developments and those that will not be affected. The first group corresponds to the large rivers, whose discharges will be modified, while the second group includes the smaller rivers that are above the reservoir levels. Successive helicopter flights were made over the rivers, and their breakup processes recorded, in particular the gradual increase in the open water along each river. Interpretation of this information provides a relation between the size of the river and the breakup characteristics. This is the first time that such a comprehensive study has been done in this region, and the results have made a major contribution to the understanding of several aspects of the breakup processes.
Year: 1992