The Processes, Patterns and Impacts of Low Flows Across Canada

This paper provides an overview of low flow characteristics for six regions of Canada: the Arctic; the Mountains; the Prairies; southern Ontario; the Canadian Shield and the Atlantic. Processes that influence low flows arc contrasted between the six regions examined. Data from a common analysis period for 51 gauging stations arc used to evaluate flow duration curves and to explore the relationship between low flows and drainage area. The results reveal a diversity of processes influencing low flows and Illustrate important regional differences in low flow characteristics and the impacts associated with low flows.