Measurement of Flow under Ice Covers in North America

Abstract

A substantial proportion of natural streams in the United States and Canada are affected by ice cover during the winter. To substantiate the currently used procedures for measuring streamflow during the winter, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Water Survey of Canada (WSC) began independent, coordinated programs for research and development related to the measurement of streamflow under an ice cover. Detailed measurements of vertical velocity profiles under ice covers in field settings were collected by each agency in accordance with standardized guidelines. The data were then compiled into a joint database. This paper presents a description of the two measurement programs, describes the structure and format of the joint database, and provides preliminary summaries of the data. Ongoing research efforts by the USGS and WSC are described briefly to give examples of the use of the joint database.