Author(s): A. A. . Khan; T. M. Puestow; S. L. Mchugh; M. Lynch; C. J. Randell

Linked Author(s):

Keywords: No keywords

Abstract: The development of ice covers on large rivers is a dynamic process that can result in ice jamming and flooding of large areas. One place subjected to this type of flooding is the Town of Badger on the island of Newfoundland in Newfoundland and Labrador. Badger, located at the confluence of three rivers, has a history of flooding dating back to 1916. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador through the Water Resources Management Division provides an annual flood forecasting service for Badger using a computer simulation model that simulates ice conditions on the Exploits River. Following the severe flood of February 15,2003, the flood forecasting service was augmented using satellite RADAR imagery from the ENVISAT and RADARSAT polar orbiting satellites. This was the first integration of RADAR imagery into operational flood forecasting of river ice in Canada. This paper describes the River Ice flood forecasting service at Badger, the integration of RADAR imagery into the service, and the improvements that were accomplished over the past four years. It describes the derivation of ice parameters from RADAR data, the use of this information in model calibration and validation, and the path forward for this service.

DOI:

Year: 2008