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Impact evaluation of instream bar management using morphodynamic modelling
Qingcheng Yu1, Colin D Rennie1, Jonathan M Slaney2
1Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, K1N 6N5, Canada.
Journal of Environmental Management
|June 30, 2022
Summary
Bar realignment in the Bow River can protect aquatic habitats and enhance recreation. However, bar removal is more effective for lowering future flood levels by creating a less obstructed channel, mitigating flood risk.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- River Geomorphology
- Flood Risk Management
Background:
- The 2013 Bow River flood caused significant damage in Calgary.
- Post-flood bar growth has narrowed the river channel, increasing flood risk.
- The efficacy of bar removal for flood mitigation remains uncertain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate bar removal and realignment strategies for flood mitigation.
- To assess impacts on aquatic habitats and river recreation.
- To model future channel responses to different bar management plans.
Main Methods:
- Developed and calibrated a 2D hydrodynamic model using Delft3D.
- Validated a morphodynamic model with post-flood bed elevation data.
- Simulated and compared flood peaks and channel morphology under different bar management scenarios.
Main Results:
- Bar realignment preserves aquatic habitat and offers recreation benefits.
- Bar removal more effectively reduces future flood peak levels.
- Instream bar manipulation has minimal downstream morphological effects.
Conclusions:
- Creating a less obstructed channel is key for flood mitigation.
- Bar management strategies offer trade-offs between flood control, habitat, and recreation.
- Further research into optimal bar management is warranted.
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