Full-Reservoir Bathymetric & LiDAR Inventory: Barrier Lake, Kananaskis

Executive Summary

Primary Objective: To deliver the first high-density “Digital Twin” of the reservoir, providing an unprecedented view of the submerged terrain and surrounding topography.

The Challenge

Mapping the Invisible History of the Basin

Prior to this project, TransAlta had never surveyed Barrier Lake at a density high enough to truly understand the topography and detail of the reservoir bed.

The Problem

Legacy data lacked the resolution to identify specific submerged features or accurately track sediment migration. To manage this critical hydroelectric asset, TransAlta needed a solution that bridged the gap between the deep water and the mountain slopes.

Technical Constraints

The reservoir's 30m+ depth and thermal stratification required precise acoustic management. Additionally, the project demanded a seamless integration of underwater sonar data with terrestrial LiDAR data to create a unified 3D model.

Complex Morphology

The basin contains significant historical features—including the original Kananaskis River channel—that are critical for understanding flow dynamics and siltation.

The MSI Approach

Acoustic Precision & LiDAR Fusion

MSI deployed a multi-sensor strategy to capture every detail of the development and the surrounding wilderness.

High-Density Multibeam Mapping

MSI utilized wide-swath multibeam technology to provide the first high-resolution look at the reservoir bottom. This revealed the original Kananaskis River channel, providing TransAlta with a clear visual of historical watercourses now submerged beneath 30m of water.

Full-Scale LiDAR Integration

While the sonar mapped the depths, MSI conducted a high density LiDAR survey of the surrounding area. This provided a high-precision 3D model of the dam infrastructure, access roads, and steep mountain slopes surrounding the reservoir.

Digital Twin

MSI’s GIS team merged the echosounding point clouds with the aerial LiDAR data, creating a seamless "bank-to-bank" model where the terrestrial terrain flows perfectly into the underwater bed.

Results

A New Baseline for Asset Management

Discovery of Submerged Features

Successfully mapped the original Kananaskis River channel and identified previously unknown bottom features, giving TransAlta a new level of insight into their reservoir's history and health.

Comprehensive 3D Development Model

Provided a unified dataset of the entire area, allowing for future engineering simulations, environmental monitoring, and site safety planning.

Geographic Reach: A North American Footprint

While our headquarters remains in Calgary, our operational reach has expanded alongside our technical capabilities. In 2005, we began by serving Alberta and British Columbia. Today, MSI is a cross-border geospatial partner with the proven ability to mobilize in diverse and extreme environments.

info@msciences.ca