Ice Management Operations at Albeni Falls Dam
Abstract
Albeni Falls Dam is located on the Pend Oreille River in northern Idaho and is part of the federal reservoir system on the Columbia River, which provides flood risk reduction and hydropower generation. The Albeni Falls Dam Water Control Manual currently defines wintertime operations for Lake Pend Oreille and the Pend Oreille River. However, this analysis finds that the current wintertime operating criteria are likely ineffective in preventing damages to shoreline structures. Additionally, discharge ramping rates are not significant factors in determining the accumulation of ice on the Pend Oreille River. This study recommends discontinuing the current wintertime operating criteria specified in the Albeni Falls Dam Water Control Manual and that water managers use hydraulic and water temperature models to assess and monitor the ice formation for both the lake and river. This will provide increased operational flexibility and rely on real-time assessment of ice and weather conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 28, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1087744
Entities
People
- Chandler Engel
- Daniel Hamill
- Devin O’Connor
- Jeremy Giovando
- Joseph Rocks
- Steven F. Daly