Numerical Study of Ice Jam Dynamics in Upper Niagara River

Abstract

A two-dimensional numerical model for the dynamics of surface ice transport and ice jam in rivers was developed and applied to the upper Niagara River. The model treats river ice dynamics as a two-layer system consisting of a layer of surface ice coupled with the underlying water flow. A Lagrangian discrete-parcel method was used to model the ice dynamics, and a finite-element method to model the hydrodynamics. These two components are coupled through the interaction at the interface between the ice layer and the flowing water. The model was validated using recorded data and observations of ice runs and ice jams. Subsequently, the model was used to evaluate possible measures for mitigating ice jams that adversely affect hydropower operations on the upper Niagara River.