Experimental Studies of Dynamic River Ice Processes

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River ice jams are of major concern to many Canadian communities as they pose a significant threat to both lives and property. Ice jams are dangerous because they can form very rapidly, and typically cause higher flood levels than open water events (e.g. Selkirk, MB). They can also release quickly, creating dangerous surges of ice and water (e.g. Fort McMurray, AB). Flooding in 2009 caused by ice jams on the Red River strained the limits of the province’s flood control infrastructure as adequate predictive models were not available and had to be hurriedly developed in response to rapidly increasing water levels. It is estimated that water levels during the event rose 1.22 m in 4 hours, with a total rise of 2.8 m. This prompted a $4.4 million buyout program for flood-prone properties along the Red River as the dramatic rise in water level made it difficult to adequately warn the local residents.