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Rajaratnam, N., C. Katopodis and R. Paccagnan (1992). Field studies of fishways in Alberta. Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering. 19:627-638.

Field studies were performed on one pool-weir, four Denil, and four vertical slot fishways in Alberta, Canada, over a period of several years. Velocity measurements were made with a 10-mm impeller minicurrent meter, and velocity profiles were calculated. The velocity profiles obtained in the field studies have confirmed the measurements made in the laboratory on scale models and have enhanced the general picture, particularly for the vertical slot fishways. A routine inspection and maintenance program would be helpful in ensuring that the fishways in Alberta operate at maximum efficiency. The design of the fish entrance is very important in determining the success of a fishway. Where the flow at the water outlet is not strong enough, the use of auxiliary attraction water should be considered. The standard Denil fishway provides a strong flow at the water outlet and therefore effectively supplies attraction water. One exception to this is a high tailwater condition, where the velocity of flow can be significantly reduced. All fishways should be equipped with trash racks at the water inlet to prevent fishway blockage by debris. The field measurements on standard Denil fishways in Alberta were found to agree reasonably well with the laboratory results. The field measurements on vertical slot fishways, in addition to supporting laboratory measurements, have also provided more information on the circulation in the pools and should be useful in building a better understanding of the hydraulics of the vertical slot fishway.