Freeze-thaw events
Note
The adaptation measures for air freeze-thaw events, as defined here, are very difficult to distinguish from those for other phenomena, such as ground freeze-thaw and wintertime mild spells.
For this reason, the following sections will discuss adaptation measures that are common to this type of episode. This page will treat “freeze-thaw events” as a combination of the various conditions mentioned, for the sake of brevity.
There are few adaptation methods specific to freeze-thaw events. Generally, adaptation measures that improve the resistance of infrastructure, agriculture or viticulture to freeze-thaw cycles are designed to deal with several other climate hazards and indices.
Adaptation measures in maple syrup production and agriculture
Since the projected changes in freeze-thaw events will affect their seasonality, the main adaptation measure for maple syrup producers will be an earlier harvest.
To protect the soil against freezing and to retain snow on the ground, a few adaptive measures exist in agriculture. For example, mulches, floating covers, low tunnels and fencing can be used. However, these measures have significant feasibility limits for crops covering larger areas.
Adaptation measures for vineyards
Frost protection systems like tarps, heaters, candles and wind machines can be used to minimize the risk of damage to vines. These practices are used in several vineyards in Quebec, particularly for late spring frosts.
Some grape varieties are more sensitive to frost than others. Choosing grape varieties that are adapted to the local climate can help to minimize the risks associated with freeze-thaw cycles.
Adaptation measures for the alpine ski industry
One of the adaptation measures commonly taken by ski resorts is to increase their snowmaking capacity by adding or modernizing snowmaking equipment. While this measure is important to ensure business continuity, the change in the seasonality of freeze-thaw events may have consequences on the industry requiring other measures, such as:
Promoting mountain activities for all four seasons, in particular diversifying the activities offered by ski resorts
Better anticipating weather variations in order to react quickly and adapt the planning of operations and communications with customers, in particular by training professionals and installing meteorological measurement equipment at ski resorts
Strengthening ski resorts’ communication strategies with their customers and all stakeholders in their mountain community
This study facilitates access to historical and future climate data on snow cover across Quebec and furthers understanding of the Quebec ski system’s vulnerabilities to climate change.
Adapting infrastructure and buildings
The main measures for adapting the built environment to the impacts of freeze-thaw events are taken during design and construction.
Roads
For road infrastructure, choosing construction materials that are resistant to freeze-thaw cycles extends its durability, reducing the risk of recurrent potholes forming. In particular, this can involve the use of more resistant aggregates in concrete.
It is also possible to:
Modify the slopes of structures to compensate for the increase in precipitation
Intensify pavement maintenance to limit water infiltration into structures
Modify the heat absorption at the surface (changing the albedo) in order to slow thawing and its negative effects
Buildings
For buildings, good roof insulation and ventilation mitigate the impacts of freeze-thaw cycles. Adding a heating cable to the roof overhang or in the gutters is an effective measure to avoid ice accumulation that can cause damage, such as water infiltration.
Protecting and strengthening exterior walls and applying more energy efficiency measures are also good adaptation measures for buildings.
It’s important to keep water away from walls and foundations by means of an appropriate drainage system and to maintain the assembly materials (mortar) and the building envelope (bricks, stones), as well as the sealants around windows and doors.
The improvement of building standards and adjustments to operating and maintenance policies and procedures also contribute to the adaptation of buildings.
