This study investigates model sensitivity of two spectral wave models SWAN (Simulating WAves Nearshore) and MIKE21 in simulating storm-generated waves in the Mackenzie Delta of the Canadian Beaufort Sea. Two established whitecapping formulations in SWAN are investigated: one dependent on mean spectral wave steepness, and the other on local spectral steepness. Four storms in the study area are simulated. Input forcing includes hourly winds and moving ice edge boundaries during the storms. Model results on wave parameters and variance spectra are compared with field measurements.