Author(s): C. Russell Wagner
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Abstract: A large percentage of continuous streamflow gaging stations in the United States and Canada are affected by ice cover. The methods and equipment used to make discharge measurements and estimate daily flow records have remained largely unchanged for nearly a hundred years. This paper discusses several ongoing investigations on improving the accuracy of winter flow data by improving the equipment and methods used to collect and analyze the data. The need for further research is also discussed. Price type vertical shaft meters have traditionally been the North American current meter of choice. The metal rotor tends to catch floating slush ice and compromise the accuracy of the meter. Polymer solid cups are being evaluated as a potential means of reducing the effects of slush ice on measuring accuracy. Vertical velocity profile studies are being conducted to evaluate possible improvements in sensing and computing the velocity component of area - velocity discharge measurements. A large vertical velocity data base has been developed and is shared between the U. S. Geological Survey and Environment Canada. The computation of daily discharge values at ice affected streamflow gaging stations is manpower intensive and the accuracy of the final values depends on an individual's judgement. Computer applications to improve efficiency and accuracy are planned. Acoustic velocity meter systems have grown in usage for measurement of flow, where conventional stage-discharge relations are unreliable. The use of these systems on ice covered streams are being evaluated.
Year: 1994