Flooding in Minnesota, April 1 to 10, 1997

Above normal temperatures during the last week of March began melting a deep snowcover across much of west central into parts of central Minnesota. Snow depth rank was in the 80 to 90th percentile over the area as measured on 3/20/97. The snowcover had a high moisture content. In addition, several storms deposited additional rain and snow over the area on 3/24/97 and 4/5/97. The flooding resulted in severe losses to both public and private property. Damage was extensive to roads, bridges, culverts, agricultural drainage areas, homes and businesses. House flooding was reported in Osakis, Brandon, Wood Lake, Danube, Bird Island and near Little Rock Lake. Drainage ditches and culverts plugged with snow and ice resulted in sporadic flooding including the community center in the southern part of Bird Island. Scattered road closures were a result of the spring thaw as well. Many smaller rivers also overflowed their banks resulting in road closures and structural flooding. The Long Prairie River in Todd and Morrison counties closed 14 roadways. The Pomme de Terre River rose to 16 feet over flood stage on 4/6/97 resulting in major damage to roadways throughout Swift and Stevens counties. Bridges were washed out in Appleton. 16 houses were evacuated in Appleton as well. Highway 59 closed north of Morris. Widespread flooding was reported in Lac Qui Parle county due to the spring thaw as well as the Lac Qui Parle River over flowing its banks. Many roads were closed and a large number of homes in Dawson were surrounded by water. The Sauk River in Stearns county overflowed its banks on 4/3/97 flooding homes along Highway 22. Highway 22 was closed for a time between Eden Valley and Richmond. Ice chunks 2 feet thick and 10 to 20 feet across, washed out or closed five bridges in Sibley county over the Rush River. Telephone service was interrupted for a time due to a fiber optic cable attached to one bridge.