0 20,000 40,000 60,000 80,000 100,000 120,000 140,000 STREAMFLOW, IN CUBIC FEET PER SECOND Goose River Sheyenne Forest River Park River Wild Rice River Bois River Buffalo River Wild Rice River Red Lake River Middle River Snake River Two Rivers North Branch Otter Tail U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey September 200 7 Sources of Information: North Dakota State Water Commission Web Site -- http://swc.nd.gov/ Red River Watershed Management Board Web Site -- http://www.rrwmb.org/ U.S. Geological Survey Minnesota Water Science Center Web Site -- http://mn.water.usgs.gov U.S. Geological Survey North Dakota Water Science Center Web Site -- http://nd.water.usgs.gov The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), one of the principal Federal agencies responsible for the collection and interpretation of water-resources data, works with other Federal, State, local, tribal, and academic entities to ensure that accurate and timely data are available for making decisions regarding public welfare and property during natural disasters and to increase public awareness of the hazards that occur with such disasters. Compiled by Karen R. Ryberg, Kathleen M. Macek-Rowland, Tara A. Banse, and Gregg J. Wiche Edited by Cathy R. Martin Design and layout by Tara A. Banse Base map, including a three-dimensional perspective of elevation data from U.S. Geological Survey EROS Data Center National Elevation Dataset (1999), created by Chris D. Laveau and James C. Lindstrom Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. General Information Product 55 Printed on recycled paper Aerial south-facing (downstream) view of Red River south of Drayton, N. Dak., during flood of 1950 (Photo from Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections, Chester Fritz Library, University of North Dakota) Dike construction to protect home from floodwaters during Sheyenne River flood of 1979 (Photo from Barnes County Historical Society) Flooded street in Valley City, N. Dak., during Sheyenne River flood in 1930s (Photo from Barnes County Historical Society) Diked homes at Grand Forks, N. Dak., during Red River flood, spring 1997 Obelisk standing in 2006 Red River floodwaters at Grand Forks, N. Dak., showing flood peak elevations for other significant Red River floods The Ada Public Library in Ada, Minn., lost its entire collection to the Wild Rice River flood of 1997 (Photo from Norman County Index) Corner of Fifth Street and Hill Avenue in Grafton, N. Dak., during Park River flood of 1950 Turtle River Wahpeton, N. Dak./ Breckenridge, Minn. Hickson, N. Dak. Fargo, N. Dak./ Moorhead, Minn. Halstad, Minn. Thompson, N. Dak. Grand Forks, N. Dak./ East Grand Forks, Minn. Oslo, Minn. Drayton, N. Dak. Pembina, N. Dak. USGS personnel measuring flood overflow at bridge on Red River east of Thompson, N. Dak., during Red River flood of 2001 0 20,000 40,000 60,000 80,000 100,000 120,000 140,000 Lower Red Lake Upper Red Lake Red River A of Flooding in the Red River Basin history Crookston Mayor Oppegaarde and Governor Youngdahl view Red Lake River flood at Crookston, Minn., in 1950 (Photo from Minnesota State Historical Society) Factors contributing to flooding in the Red River Basin: Landform factors A relatively shallow and meandering river channel– a shallow channel holds less water and the meandering can cause flow to slow down as the channel makes its turns, causing overbank flooding. A gentle slope (averaging 0.5 to 1.5 feet per mile) that inhibits channel flow and encourages overland flooding or water “ponding” (especially on even, saturated ground) in the basin. The northerly direction of flow–flow in the Red River travels from south (upstream) to north (downstream). The direction of flow becomes a critical factor in the spring when the southern (upstream) part of the Red River has thawed and the northern (downstream) part of the channel is still frozen. As water moves north toward the still frozen river channel, ice jams and substantial backwater flow and flooding can occur. Weather factors Spring (snowmelt) floods Above-normal amounts of precipitation in the fall of the year that produce high levels of soil moisture, particularly in flat surface areas, in the basin. Freezing of saturated ground in late fall or early winter, before significant snowfall occurs, that produces a hard, deep frost that limits infiltration of runoff during snowmelt. Above-normal winter snowfall in the basin. Above-normal precipitation during snowmelt. Above-normal temperatures during snowmelt. Summer floods Above-normal or intense precipitation in the same area over a short duration from May through October. Saturated ground causing more runoff. Limited vegetative cover leading to less absorption of water and more runoff. Landform factors, combined with any or all of the weather factors, determine the severity of flooding. For example, below-normal fall precipitation combined with above-normal winter snowfall, above- normal temperatures during snowmelt, and above- normal precipitation during snowmelt can lead to significant flooding. In contrast, below-normal fall precipitation combined with above-normal winter snowfall, below normal temperatures during snowmelt, and little precipitation during snowmelt may cause only minimal flooding. Most of the catastrophic floods that occurred in the Red River Basin were caused by a combination of landform factors, and most or all of the weather factors affected the magnitude of those floods. Viking Bridge in Valley City, N. Dak., during Sheyenne River flood of 1969, at gage height of 17.63 feet (Photo from Barnes County Historical Society) Red Owl Super Market in flooded area of Fargo, N. Dak., during Red River flood of 1943 (Photo from State Historical Society of North Dakota 0378-015) Wooden blocks that once paved the streets of Fargo, N. Dak., piled up during Red River flood of 1897 (Photo from Institute for Regional Studies, North Dakota State University, Fargo 2006.83.19) ANNUAL PEAK STREAMFLOW Grand Forks, N. Dak./East Grand Forks, Minn. Fargo, N. Dak./Moorhead, Minn. Man rowing boat in Moorhead, Minn., during Red River flood of 1897 (Photo from Institute for Regional Studies, North Dakota State University, Fargo 328.2.14) Headwaters of Red River in Breckenridge, Minn., during spring 2001 River River Rush River Maple River Elevation (feet) High : 2,000 Low : 750 The basin image is tilted to create three-dimensional perspective. This distorts distances, causing the southern end of the basin to be stretched and the northern end of the basin to be compressed. THREE-DIMENSIONAL PERSPECTIVE OF THE RED RIVER OF THE NORTH BASIN IN THE UNITED STATES Valley City Crookston, Minn. Grafton, N. Dak. South Branch Ada, Minn. USGS gaging station at or near town indicated City Sioux De Major Red River of the North (Red River) Floods 1700s Large flood in 1776 according to anecdotal accounts; floods in Canada, especially in 1747 and 1762, substantiated by tree-ring evidence. 1826 Flood of record in Canada that destroyed settlements. 1882 Large flood at Fargo, N. Dak./ Moorhead, Minn., and Grand Forks, N. Dak./East Grand Forks, Minn. 1897 Largest flood on record at Fargo. 1916 Large flood in Fargo and on upstream reaches; sizeable flood in Canada. 1943 Large flood in Fargo/Moorhead; in an 11-day period, the Red River rose about 23 feet; St. John's hospital was engulfed and 270 families were forced from their homes. 1950 Flood that caused most severe damage ever sustained up to this point--extended time for flooding; major disaster in Winnipeg with one-third of city evacuated. 1965 Widespread flooding caused by heavy rain on frozen ground. 1966 Severe flooding from United States/Canada border to Winnipeg. 1969 Maximum discharge recorded on the Red River at Fargo/Moorhead and Wahpeton, N. Dak./Breckenridge, Minn., and in some areas on the Sheyenne River to this date; first flood to be diverted around Winnipeg by Red River floodway. 1975 Flood that included two peaks, in spring and summer. 1979 Second largest flood after 1897 (to this date) at Grand Forks and in Canada. 1989 Flood that severely damaged the cities of Wahpeton and Breckenridge. 1993 Summer flood caused by a series of intense thunderstorms at various locations throughout the basin. 1997 Major flooding in United States and Canada; largest recorded flood in Grand Forks/East Grand Forks; second largest in Fargo/Moorhead and Wahpeton/Breckenridge. 2001 Significant flooding caused by heavy rains on frozen ground in addition to above-average snowfall. 2002 June flooding in northwestern Minnesota, especially in Roseau, Minn., and northeastern North Dakota caused by intense rainfall. 2006 Spring flooding throughout basin; most cities well prepared because of improvements made since 1997. 1916 2006 1882 1979 1950 1897 1943 1965 1966 1969 1975 1989 1993 2001 2002 1997 W S E N U.S. Geological Survey employees transported by National Guard personnel to site on Sorlie Bridge between Grand Forks, N. Dak., and East Grand Forks, Minn., during Red River flood of 1997 View of East Grand Forks, Minn., during Red River flood of 1897. Center span of Northern Pacific Railroad bridge pivoted horizontally to allow ice to flow past. Engines are parked on stationary spans to weigh down bridge Roseau, Minn. Roseau River Pembina River Tongue River 1979 1930s 1969 2006 1997 2001 1997 1950 1950 2001 1897 1943 1897 1997 1897 1950
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0
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
140,000
STRE
AMFL
OW, I
N C
UBIC
FEE
T PE
R SE
CON
D
Goose River
Sheyenne
Forest River
Park River
Wild
Ric
e R
iver
Bois
River
Buffalo River
Wild Rice River
Red Lake River
Middle River
Snake River
Two Rivers North Branch
Otter Tail
U.S. Department of the InteriorU.S. Geological Survey September 2007
Sources of Information:North Dakota State Water Commission Web Site -- http://swc.nd.gov/Red River Watershed Management Board Web Site -- http://www.rrwmb.org/U.S. Geological Survey Minnesota Water Science Center Web Site -- http://mn.water.usgs.govU.S. Geological Survey North Dakota Water Science Center Web Site -- http://nd.water.usgs.gov
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), one of the principal Federal agencies responsible for the collection and interpretation of water-resources data, works with other Federal, State, local, tribal, and academic entities to ensure that accurate and timely data are available for making decisions regarding public welfare and property during natural disasters and to increase public awareness of the hazards that occur with such disasters.
Compiled by Karen R. Ryberg, Kathleen M. Macek-Rowland, Tara A. Banse, and Gregg J. WicheEdited by Cathy R. MartinDesign and layout by Tara A. BanseBase map, including a three-dimensional perspective of elevation data from U.S. Geological Survey EROS Data Center National Elevation Dataset (1999), created by Chris D. Laveau and James C. Lindstrom
Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
General Information Product 55
Printed on recycled paper
Aerial south-facing (downstream) view of Red River south of Drayton, N. Dak., during flood of 1950(Photo from Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections, ChesterFritz Library, University of North Dakota)
Dike construction to protect home from floodwaters during Sheyenne River flood of 1979 (Photo from Barnes County Historical Society)
Flooded street in Valley City, N. Dak., duringSheyenne River flood in 1930s(Photo from Barnes County Historical Society)
Diked homes at Grand Forks, N. Dak., during Red River flood, spring 1997
Obelisk standing in 2006 Red River floodwaters at Grand Forks, N. Dak., showing flood peak elevations for other significant Red River floods
The Ada Public Library in Ada, Minn., lost its entire collection to the Wild Rice River flood of 1997(Photo from Norman County Index)
Corner of Fifth Street and Hill Avenue in Grafton, N. Dak., during Park River flood of 1950
Turtle River
Wahpeton, N. Dak./Breckenridge, Minn.
Hickson, N. Dak.
Fargo, N. Dak./Moorhead, Minn.
Halstad, Minn.
Thompson, N. Dak.
Grand Forks, N. Dak./East Grand Forks, Minn.
Oslo, Minn.
Drayton, N. Dak.
Pembina, N. Dak.
USGS personnel measuring flood overflow at bridge on Red River east of Thompson, N. Dak., during Red River flood of 2001
0
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
140,000
Lower Red Lake
Upper Red Lake
Red
River
A of Floodingin the Red River Basinhistory
Crookston Mayor Oppegaarde and Governor Youngdahl view Red Lake River flood at Crookston, Minn., in 1950(Photo from Minnesota State Historical Society)
Factors contributing to flooding in the Red River Basin:
Landform factors A relatively shallow and meandering river channel– a shallow channel holds less water and the meandering can cause flow to slow down as the channel makes its turns, causing overbank flooding.
A gentle slope (averaging 0.5 to 1.5 feet per mile) that inhibits channel flow and encourages overland flooding or water “ponding” (especially on even, saturated ground) in the basin.
The northerly direction of flow–flow in the Red River travels from south (upstream) to north (downstream). The direction of flow becomes a critical factor in the spring when the southern (upstream) part of the Red River has thawed and the northern (downstream) part of the channel is still frozen. As water moves north toward the still frozen river channel, ice jams and substantial backwater flow and flooding can occur.
Weather factors
Spring (snowmelt) floods
Above-normal amounts of precipitation in the fall of the year that produce high levels of soil moisture, particularly in flat surface areas, in the basin.
Freezing of saturated ground in late fall or early winter, before significant snowfall occurs, that produces a hard, deep frost that limits infiltration of runoff during snowmelt.
Above-normal winter snowfall in the basin.
Above-normal precipitation during snowmelt.
Above-normal temperatures during snowmelt.
Summer floods
Above-normal or intense precipitation in the same area over a short duration from May through October.
Saturated ground causing more runoff.
Limited vegetative cover leading to less absorption of water and more runoff.
Landform factors, combined with any or all of theweather factors, determine the severity of flooding.For example, below-normal fall precipitationcombined with above-normal winter snowfall, above-normal temperatures during snowmelt, and above-normal precipitation during snowmelt can lead to significant flooding. In contrast, below-normal fallprecipitation combined with above-normal winter snowfall, below normal temperatures duringsnowmelt, and little precipitation during snowmeltmay cause only minimal flooding. Most of the catastrophic floods that occurred in the Red RiverBasin were caused by a combination of landform factors, and most or all of the weather factors affectedthe magnitude of those floods.
Viking Bridge in Valley City, N. Dak., during Sheyenne River flood of 1969, atgage height of 17.63 feet (Photo from Barnes County HistoricalSociety)
Red Owl Super Market in flooded area of Fargo, N. Dak., during Red River flood of 1943(Photo from State Historical Societyof North Dakota 0378-015)
Wooden blocks that once paved the streets of Fargo, N. Dak., piled up during Red River flood of 1897(Photo from Institute for Regional Studies, North Dakota State University, Fargo 2006.83.19)
ANNUAL PEAK STREAMFLOWGrand Forks, N. Dak./East Grand Forks, Minn.Fargo, N. Dak./Moorhead, Minn.
Man rowing boat in Moorhead, Minn., during Red River flood of1897(Photo from Institute for Regional Studies, North Dakota State University, Fargo 328.2.14)
Headwaters of Red River in Breckenridge, Minn., during spring 2001
Rive
r
River
Rush River
Maple River
Elevation (feet)High : 2,000
Low : 750
The basin image is tilted to create three-dimensional perspective.This distorts distances, causing the southern end of the basin to be stretched and the northern end of the basin to be compressed.
THREE-DIMENSIONAL PERSPECTIVE OF THE RED RIVER OF THE NORTH BASIN IN THE UNITED STATES
Valley City
Crookston, Minn.
Grafton, N. Dak.
SouthBranch
Ada, Minn.
USGS gaging station ator near town indicated
City
Siou
x
De
Major Red River of the North (Red River) Floods1700s Large flood in 1776 according to anecdotal accounts; floods in Canada, especially in 1747 and 1762, substantiated by tree-ring evidence.
1826 Flood of record in Canada that destroyed settlements.
1882 Large flood at Fargo, N. Dak./ Moorhead, Minn., and Grand Forks, N. Dak./East Grand Forks, Minn.
1897 Largest flood on record at Fargo.
1916 Large flood in Fargo and on upstream reaches; sizeable flood in Canada.
1943 Large flood in Fargo/Moorhead; in an 11-day period, the Red River rose about 23 feet; St. John's hospital was engulfed and 270 families were forced from their homes.
1950 Flood that caused most severe damage ever sustained up to this point--extended time for flooding; major disaster in Winnipeg with one-third of city evacuated.
1965 Widespread flooding caused by heavy rain on frozen ground.
1966 Severe flooding from United States/Canada border to Winnipeg.
1969 Maximum discharge recorded on the Red River at Fargo/Moorhead and Wahpeton, N. Dak./Breckenridge, Minn., and in some areas on the Sheyenne River to this date; first flood to be diverted around Winnipeg by Red River floodway.
1975 Flood that included two peaks, in spring and summer.
1979 Second largest flood after 1897 (to this date) at Grand Forks and in Canada.
1989 Flood that severely damaged the cities of Wahpeton and Breckenridge.
1993 Summer flood caused by a series of intense thunderstorms at various locations throughout the basin.
1997 Major flooding in United States and Canada; largest recorded flood in Grand Forks/East Grand Forks; second largest in Fargo/Moorhead and Wahpeton/Breckenridge.
2001 Significant flooding caused by heavy rains on frozen ground in addition to above-average snowfall.
2002 June flooding in northwestern Minnesota, especially in Roseau, Minn., and northeastern North Dakota caused by intense rainfall.
2006 Spring flooding throughout basin; most cities well prepared because of improvements made since 1997.
1916
200618821979
1950
1897
1943
1965 1966 19691975 1989
1993
2001
2002
1997
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S
E
N
U.S. Geological Survey employees transported by National Guard personnel to site on Sorlie Bridge between Grand Forks, N. Dak., and East Grand Forks, Minn., during Red River flood of 1997
View of East GrandForks, Minn., during Red River flood of 1897. Center span of Northern Pacific Railroad bridge pivoted horizontally to allow ice to flow past. Engines are parked on stationary spans to weigh down bridge
Roseau, Minn.Roseau River
Pembina RiverTongue River
1979
1930s
1969
2006
1997
2001
1997
195019502001
1897
1943
1897
1997
1897
1950
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