Dam-induced riverbed degradation in the Saskatchewan River Delta

Abstract

River deltas formed by the uninterrupted flow of water carrying sediments and nutrients provide many benefits to humans, including natural resources (e.g., water, aquatic, and terrestrial species) and fertile land. However, the sustainability of river deltas is threatened by large hydraulic infrastructure (e.g., upstream dams), other human activities, and climate change. For example, the Saskatchewan River Delta in Northern Canada is threatened because dams upstream interrupt the sediment transport, resulting in declining sediment levels. The lack of sediment affects the ecology and environment of the delta. This paper will address how dam operation can be adapted to decrease erosion and maintain hydrological, ecological, and environmental outcomes from human activities in the Saskatchewan River Basin, especially the South Saskatchewan River and the river delta. The cross-sectional data along the Saskatchewan River below the E.B. Campbell Dam were considered for unsteady flow simulations via HEC-RAS. Insufficient sediment reaches the Saskatchewan River Delta, resulting in ecological changes. The purpose is to give decision-makers or related stakeholders insight into developing strategies for reducing erosion, replenishing moisture, and restoring sediment in the Saskatchewan River Delta to minimize dam-induced issues.