Ice-jam flood delineation: Challenges and research needs. Issue 3 (3rd July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kovachis, N.; Burrell, B.C.; Huokuna, M.; Beltaos, S.; Turcotte, B.; Jasek, M.
• Is Part Of: Canadian water resources journal =. Volume 42:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 258
• Page End: 268
• Publication Date: 2017-07-03
• Subjects: Water resources development -- Canada -- Periodicals; Water conservation -- Canada -- Periodicals; 333.9100971
• DOI: 10.1080/07011784.2017.1294998
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0701-1784

Abstract

Abstract : Identifying and understanding flood hazard and risk is the requisite first step in enhancing public safety, emergency response planning and future flood damage reduction. The delineation and mapping of flood hazard, inundation and risk areas is an effective way to communicate these vulnerabilities. Procedures and standards for flood mapping for open-water (ice-free) events have been performed by many jurisdictions and are well established. In Canada, rivers and streams are prone to ice-related flooding, and these flood events often result in higher water levels and more extensive damages than open-water events do. Ice-related flood events are highly variable and difficult to evaluate, especially with respect to likelihood of site-specific re-occurrence and statistical frequency. In addition, field data and other information required for hydrotechnical modelling of ice-related flood hazard and risk are often unavailable, and standards for ice-related floodplain delineation are less developed. Therefore, many jurisdictions have not adopted guidelines and standards for producing flood hazard and risk mapping incorporating ice-related flood events. In this paper, the present status of delineating ice-related flood events and associated challenges are discussed.