Concern has been expressed regarding the impacts of climate change on the hydroecology of the Mackenzie Delta, thus identifying a need for better understanding of the ice break-up regime. Archived records at hydrometric stations in the delta for the period 1974 to 2006, supplemented with observations and remotely sensed imagery, are used to assemble a break-up chronology and examine spatial and temporal patterns of break-up flooding. Hydroclimatic controls on break-up are assessed by statistical, qualitative, and trend analysis of upstream discharge and downstream ice characteristics. For the most severe break-up flooding, two event types are identified: ice-driven events, with high backwater and high peak levels in the southern, eastern and western delta, and discharge-driven events, with high levels in the mid and outer delta and along Middle Channel. Break-up initiation during ice (discharge) events occurs earlier (later) than the delta average. Severity of break-up water levels is most influenced by upstream discharge, while timing is related to ice conditions and spring hydrograph rise. Rapid upstream melt and lower intensity melt in the delta prior to break-up characterize the most severe events. Trend analysis reveals a tendency toward earlier break-up, a longer prebreak-up melt interval, and a lower magnitude of hydroclimatic controls.

Concern has been expressed regarding the impacts of climate change on the hydroecology of the Mackenzie Delta, thus identifying a need for better understanding of the ice break-up regime. Archived records at hydrometric stations in the delta for the period 1974 to 2006, supplemented with observations and remotely sensed imagery, are used to assemble a break-up chronology and examine spatial and temporal patterns of break-up flooding. Hydroclimatic controls on break-up are assessed by statistical, qualitative, and trend analysis of upstream discharge and downstream ice characteristics. For the most severe break-up flooding, two event types are identified: ice-driven events, with high backwater and high peak levels in the southern, eastern and western delta, and discharge-driven events, with high levels in the mid and outer delta and along Middle Channel. Break-up initiation during ice (discharge) events occurs earlier (later) than the delta average. Severity of break-up water levels is most influenced by upstream discharge, while timing is related to ice conditions and spring hydrograph rise. Rapid upstream melt and lower intensity melt in the delta prior to break-up characterize the most severe events. Trend analysis reveals a tendency toward earlier break-up, a longer prebreak-up melt interval, and a lower magnitude of hydroclimatic controls.