Development of New Stage-Fall-Discharge Equations for the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers

Abstract: Involved the development of St. Clair River stage-fall discharge equations using regression methods and discharge and water level measurements made during 1962-1985 and 1996-2006. The two datasets were separated based not only on the potential period of a change in conveyance capacity, but also by the technologies used to measure streamflow: between 1962 and 1985 conventional mechanical current meters were used, while from 1996 to 2006 measurements were made using ADCP meters. The 1962-1985 and 1996-2006 equation sets were then compared to determine whether a significant change could be seen between the two periods. Results showed the equations developed from the 1996-2006 ADCP measurement set produced higher estimates of average flows in the St. Clair River than equations developed from the 1962-1985 conventional dataset, suggesting conveyance capacity of the St. Clair River increased between the two periods, assuming the different measurements technologies do not bias the results.

Viewable Data:: St. Clair River Discharge Measurements (1962-2006); Detroit River Discharge Measurements (1962-2006)

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Supporting Content (Show)

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