Minot Prepares Levees for Flooding
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| 4/6/2009 |
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| The Souris River looks harmless right now. But as the snow and ice begin to melt and eventually flow, the river could pose a serious threat to the area. Minot is protected by a series of levees and dikes that were built more than thirty years ago. In anticipation of a flood, the city is preparing our first line of defense. Survey crews have been walking the Souris River for the past couple days. It is a scenic job, but a serious one. They are measuring the height of the levees along the river. They must be able to handle potential flood water levels. "There are a few areas we will need to add clay or sandbags. What we are trying to do is quantify how many we will need so that survey information is important," says Lance Meyer the Assistant City Engineer. The channel is designed to carry about 5,000 cubic feet of water per second. That is flood stage. City officials are preparing the channel to hold 7,000 cubic feet per second. At that rate, there will still be about four feet to the top if the levee. The chances of that happening are only about 20 percent, still more precipitation could mean trouble. "We are preparing for it and if nothing happens we are that much better off. But at least we will be ready for it," says Alan Walter the Minot Public Works Director. There are some low spots and gaps along the dikes that will need to be filled with clay and sandbags. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will help with that project. And there is time to do it. Historically, flooding was triggered by rain and blizzards in April causing major flooding by early May. "In 1970, the crest went through May 10th. We have got a month of looking at this stuff," says Walter. And while there is still a while to prepare, the city is wasting no time. The City Council will put in place Public Law 99 which means the Corps of Engineers becomes a big part of the decision-making regarding our local levees and dikes. |
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