Understanding the formation of ice jams on the lower Lemhi

Project ID: R24AP00459

Federal Agency: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

Partner Institution: University of Idaho

Fiscal Year: 2024

Initial Funding: $96,010

Total Funding: $284,560

Principal Investigator: Tonina, Daniele

Agreement Technical Representative: Bradford, Misty

Abstract:

This project involves the development of an approach to evaluate reaches which favor formation and/or accumulation of frazil-ice in the lower part of the Lemhi Rivers under a range of discharges and meteorological conditions.

Understanding the potential role of stream morphology and hydrology under winter meteorological conditions on frazil-ice formation is important in evaluating the risk for ice-jam formation due to frazil accumulation. This may help in developing alternative scenarios to minimize ice-jams and/or identify locations where ice-jams may occur and conditions which may increase their formation and potential location.