Numerical simulation of storm surges in Lake Winnipeg

Abstract

A high-resolution unstructured grid two-dimensional finite-element model was applied to simulate the storm surge associated with the October 2010 extratropical storm in Lake Winnipeg. The wind and pressure fields from two high-resolution weather forecast models were used to drive the hydrodynamic model. The model results were compared with the observed water levels at several stations during the storm event. The model-predicted storm surge in the range of 0.6–1.5 m is comparable with observations in the southern basin of Lake Winnipeg. Model results are further analyzed to assess the transport of water between north and south basins of Lake Winnipeg during the event. Computed water surface elevations at specific locations at the outlet of the rivers and embayments indicate that the model needs some improvements in terms of grid resolution in those areas.