Impact of Environmental Factors on Energy Balance and Ice Growth in Winter Recreational Waterways: A Study of the Rideau Canal Skateway

Climate change is significantly impacting the Rideau Canal Skateway (RCS), an outdoor skating rink, by altering ice growth dynamics. Research using energy balance models and field data reveals that snow cover acts as an insulator, hindering ice formation unless managed through timely interventions like surface clearing or flooding. The study highlights the critical role of strategic actions in response to temperature fluctuations, snowfall, and rainfall events, offering practical insights for extending the skating season. By simulating ice thickness changes using a coupled heat transfer model, the research underscores the multifaceted nature of ice growth and provides actionable strategies to mitigate climate change impacts on recreational winter waterways.

Nakhostin, E., Richardson, M., Mueller, D., Kenny, S., & Devine, B. (2025). Impact of Environmental Factors on Energy Balance and Ice Growth in Winter Recreational Waterways: A Study of the Rideau Canal Skateway. Journal of Cold Regions Engineering, 39(3). https://doi.org/10.1061/jcrgei.creng-948