Ice Problems at Water Intakes

Abstract

Ice problems, leading to partial or almost complete shutdown, have occurred in Lakes Ontario, Erie, and Huron, while diverting water for either domestic or cooling purposes in amounts ranging from 25 to 2500 ft3/s (0.7 to 71 m3/s). All difficulties are initiated by relatively rare combinations of severe weather conditions. The location of an intake in relation to prevailing storm tracks is important, with onshore winds creating most of the problems except those due to frazil. So little published information exists that many designers tend towards incredulity when the problem occurs. Solutions exist and recommendations are provided.