Plans for Regulation of Levels of Lake Erie: Hydraulic Model Investigation
Abstract
Because of the effects of fluctuations in water levels of the Great Lakes on economic interests, consideration is being given to engineering works to regulate these levels. The surplus water of Lake Erie is funneled through the Niagara River, the link between Lakes Erie and Ontario, and thus the capacity of the river controls flow from, and heights of, Lake Erie. The purpose of the model study was to determine the nature and extent of excavation in the Niagara River required to increase the capacity of the river at times of high lake levels, the best location for a regulating structure extending completely across the river channel, and the length of regulating structure that would have to be closed to reduce flow into the river during periods of low lake levels. The hydraulic investigation was conducted on an existing model used to study the development of power and preservation of the scenic spectacle at Niagara Falls. The model was of the fixed-bed type, constructed to linear scale ratios of 1:360 horizontally and 1:60 vertically, and reproduced 26 miles of the Niagara River from Lake Erie to the Falls. Two excavation plans were investigated: one based on a wide, shallow channel and the other on a deep, narrow channel. Test results indicated that either plan would produce substantial lowering of lake levels through excavation of up to about 10,000,000 cu yd; greater amounts of excavation would produce only slight additional lowerings. Of the two plans, the deep, narrow design was found more efficient. Two locations of the regulating structure were studied: one at Bird Island about 4000 ft upstream from Peace Bridge, and the other about 700 ft downstream from Peace Bridge. At each location tests were made of the structure closing from both the American and Canadian sides.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1957
- Accession Number
- ADA637653
Entities
People
- E. B. Lipscomb