Peace Canyon Water Spillway Monitoring

Project Snapshot

Project Overview

Introduction

Underhill was engaged to perform comprehensive aerial inspections and photogrammetric analysis of winter spillway gate operations. The goal was to assess ice buildup, evaluate water flow characteristics during emergency winter spilling, and inspect critical gate hardware and heating systems to ensure reliable cold‑weather functionality. Using advanced UAV platforms, thermal imaging, and high‑resolution photogrammetry, Underhill delivered detailed insights into hard‑to-access areas essential for safe and efficient winter operations.

Project Challenges

• Significant ice buildup around spillway gates during winter operations created safety and operational risks
• Limited visibility and accessibility made it difficult to inspect mechanical components, heating systems, and agitators from the ground
• Our client required accurate, repeatable, and quantifiable data on ice formation over time
• Operations occurred in harsh winter conditions, requiring experienced UAV pilots and specialized equipment capable of functioning in cold, complex environments
• Need to evaluate water flow, ice shedding, and upstream agitator performance while the spillway was actively spilling

Underhill’s Approach

Underhill deployed Transport Canada–certified advanced UAV pilots with BCH AOD approval to safely operate over critical infrastructure. A structured aerial inspection program was executed using both thermal and photogrammetric capture methods to assess ice buildup, water behavior, structural conditions, and equipment performance.

Thermal imaging was used to verify heating system operation and identify cold spots or component failures. Photogrammetric flights generated 3D models and orthomosaics to quantify ice growth and provide visual evidence for operational decision‑making. Video and 360° imagery offered additional context for understanding winter performance challenges and identifying areas requiring maintenance.

Notable Outcomes

• Improved winter safety through better understanding of ice behavior and operational risks.
• Detailed visual and thermal insights into spillway gate hardware, heating systems, and agitators in conditions that are otherwise difficult to inspect.
• High‑quality data products enabling informed planning and maintenance decisions:
  • Orthomosaics
  • 3D models
  • Video documentation
  • Thermal imagery
  • High‑resolution inspection imagery
  • 360° panoramas
• Operational efficiency gains using the H30T camera, enabling:
  • Simultaneous thermal + RGB capture
  • Reduced flight time
  • Fewer battery swaps
  • Faster turnaround on deliverables
• Accurate 3D quantification of ice buildup, improving the client’s ability to track changes over time

Technologies Used

Equipment & Data Capture

• DJI M300 RTK
  • H30T — high‑resolution thermal, inspection, and video capture
  • DJI P1 — high‑accuracy photogrammetry and 3D modeling
• Trimble R10 base station providing NTRIP RTK corrections
• Thermal imaging for component inspection and ice verification
• Aerial photogrammetry for orthomosaics and 3D reconstruction
• Spexi for stitching 360° panoramic imagery

Software

• Agisoft Metashape
• Sketchfab
• Spexi
• DJI Pilot

Unique Capabilities

• Experienced high‑hour UAV pilots operating safely in complex winter environments
• High‑resolution H30T thermal camera (double the resolution of previous models)
• Rapid program rollout and seamless adaptation to evolving client needs