One-Dimensional Hydrodynamic Modelling of the St. Clair River using HEC-RAS

Contributors

Jason Giovannettone;

Abstract

A one-dimensional HEC-RAS model of the St. Clair River was created in order to address concerns involving a lowering of the water levels of Lake Huron resulting from morphological changes in the riverbed over the last 40+ years. The model was initially developed using measured bathymetry data from 2007, and calibrated to flows measured between 1996 and 2006. Sensitivity analyses were performed to determine the effects of near-shore interpolation, glacial isostatic adjustment and the effect of small-scale features in the upper river. Further tests were then conducted using previously collected bathymetric data, with a 2007 bathymetric dataset of the same resolution as an existing 1971 bathymetric dataset created, and the two compared.

Reports:

St. Clair River 1D HEC-RAS Hydrodynamic Modelling

Viewable Data:

St. Clair River Channel Bathymetry

Upper St. Clair River Bathymetry

St. Clair River Discharge Measurements (1962-2006)

Models:

HEC-RAS Software (Link)

St. Clair River HEC-RAS Models (Giovannettone)

Additional Data and Information

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Supporting Content (Show)

Main Topics

- St. Clair River

Questions We Asked

- What's causing the declining head difference?

- Has St. Clair conveyance changed, and if so, what were the causes?

Key Findings

- St. Clair River has changed, accounting for 7-14 cm of total head decline

- Evidence suggests St. Clair erosion is not ongoing, but causes remain unknown

Recommendations

- Remedial measures should not be taken in the St. Clair

Tasks

- St. Clair River Hydraulics Analysis

- Hydrodynamic Modelling