of a combined snowmelt and rain event several days after the ice had cleared. Again, emergency personnel were notified and
were able to respond quickly to reduce flood damages from this open-water flood event.
In 2003, remote imaging equipment was added to the early warning notification system. This feature gave CRREL
personnel and Lancaster's emergency response personnel the ability to remotely inspect the condition of the Israel River. On
a predetermined schedule, images from the Lancaster site were retrieved via standard telephone and posted to CRREL's Web
page. Three cameras were used: one standard camera and two cameras capable of operating in low-light conditions. Nearby
streetlights provided sufficient light for the low-light cameras to successfully obtain images during the night.
Figure 5 depicts the condition of the Israel River prior to ice cover breakup. The water flowing over the ice cover is an
indication of increased discharge. Figure 6 shows the breakup's aftermath. The remote imaging equipment proved to be a
useful tool when used with the stage equipment to determine a river's condition.
Figure 5. Retrieved remote image of Israel River prior to ice breakup.
Figure 6. Retrieved remote image of Israel River after ice breakup.
ERDC/CRREL TN-03-2
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