Enabling efficient flood risk mapping, forecasting and regulation of Denmark’s Gudenå River

In order to help identify and implement new management/maintenance measures for the Gudenå River in Denmark, we developed an integrated hydraulic model based on our MIKE by DHI software suite components.

In recent years, water levels in the Gudenå River have risen prominently due to significant increases in aquatic weed densities and increasing discharge. As a result, flooding occurs for longer periods during both the summer and winter seasons. The region also faces higher rainfall intensities due to climate change. As such, serious concerns about increased flood risks and damage sparked initiatives on the identification and implementation of new river management measures and maintenance procedures.

As part of these initiatives, we developed a survey data-based hydraulic model in combination with an integrated catchment model for the river. This model – based on MIKE SHE and MIKE 11 – components of our Mike software suite helped simulate water levels and flood extents in the river. The model now provides real-time information and three-day prognoses of lake and river water level forecasts.

With our tailored, user-friendly modelling tools and services, we helped Danish authorities conduct effective river mapping and flood forecasting as well as develop more efficient river regulation and maintenance schemes.