Hydrometric Networks Serving Hydropower Needs

by John M. Power, Environment Canada, Canada,
Alan R.. Perks, Environment Canada, Canada,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Waterpower '89

Abstract:

The Water Resources Branch is the national agency that collects, interprets and disseminates standardized surface water quantity and sediment data and information in Canada. The Branch has two divisions: the Water Survey of Canada and the Hydrology Division. The Water Survey of Canada now operates a network of 2500 gauging stations. Water Survey staff measure the streamflows, water levels and sediment concentrations in the field. Once they make the necessary computations and interpretations, they archive the data in the national data bank, HYDAT. Finally, they distribute them to a wide range of clients and users. When observed data are scarce, one possible alternative is the use of conceptual simulation models to generate flows at ungauged sites. Staff of the Hydrology Division of the Branch are applying several different models to tasks such as reconstruction of flood hydrographs. The HYDROTEL model development is being co-funded by Environment Canada and the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing. A second alternative when observed data are scare is the use of regression techniques. These and other aspects of the subject are discussed.

Subject Headings: Water resources | Hydrologic data | Hydro power | Data collection | Surface water | Simulation models | Sediment | Canada

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