Ice and water temperature

At section of Glaciers, Ice and Snow (HB) at the Hydrology Department, there is a dedicated professional group of three working with the management-oriented problems and projects involving water temperature and ice.

Historical retrospect
Early in the development of hydropower, Norway realized that there were ice related problems in many waterways, and there was a need to systematize events and increase knowledge of ice. Therefore, during the autumn of 1949, Iskontoret (translates to “the Ice-office”) was established by the Water Resources Service. Iskontoret began systematic observations of ice conditions and of water temperature in the winter season. Later, more focus was given to the biological aspect, and water temperature measurements became year-round activities.

In 1967 Iskontoret had 7 employees: 1 Chief Engineer, 3 hydrologists, 1 technician, 1 secretary and 1 photo laboratory technician.

Issues that Iskontoret worked with were:

• Monitoring of ice and water temperature conditions in Norway
• Protective measures for drift and swelling of the ice
• Determining possibilities of traffic on frozen lakes and rivers
• Depth surveys of lakes
• Ice problems connected to the operation of power plants
• Ice formation in the fjords where power plants release water
• Frost mist formation

Later, the Water Resources Service changed its name several times, and is at present The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE). Iskontoret has downsized, and is now located as the "Group for water temperature and ice" in the section of Glaciers, Ice and Snow, but still part of the Hydrology Department.

Read more about our present activity under right margin "Related information".