A hydrodynamic model for the Lower Rideau River

A detailed hydrodynamic model of the Lower Rideau River system has been constructed using the Mike11 modeling system of the Danish Hydraulic Institute. This river system is complex, comprising of channels, local drainage areas, lateral inflows, and a number of water control structures. The model was calibrated using measured streamflow data for 5 years and then validated for another 5 years. A wide range of methods, both qualitative and quantitative, were used to evaluate the model performance. It was found that the model can simulate the time-varying hydrodynamics of the river with a high degree of accuracy. This model is now being used for various watershed management purposes, including flood forecasting, dam safety assessment, quantification of wetland functions, and optimization of water control structures. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2010