Flooding

1952 Flood Disaster Book

This book of photographs depicts the massive flooding that occurred in April 1952 along the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers and their tributaries, including the Redwood, Cottonwood, and St. Croix rivers.

Floods of April-May 1969 in Upper Midwestern United States

Anderson , David B
This report provides hydrologic data relating to flooding in the upper Midwestern U.S. in the spring of 1969. Background is provided on climatological events leading up to the floods, and on flood protection efforts. Details are presented for specific flood areas, including the Minnesota River Basin. Data are reported for suspended sediment, magnitude and frequency, flood discharges, and stream flow. Aerial photographs illustrate flooding conditions.

Wetland Drainage in the Hawk Creek Pilot Watershed, Minnesota

Choate, Jerry S
This study examine the effects of a federal flood-control project on the drainage of wetlands in the Hawk Creek watershed, a major tributary of the Minnesota River. The report describes the study methodology, which involved analysis of aerial photographs to determine the effects of channeling (a method of flood control) on the wetlands. The author concludes that over 50 percent of wetlands in channeled areas were lost, while the rate was only 13 percent in unchanneled areas, clearly showing the role of traditional flood control in wetland loss.
Watershed(s): 

An Economic Analysis of Flood Damage Reduction Alternatives in the Minnesota River Basin

Hopeman, Alan Roswell Jr.
This study explores the economic implications of flooding in the Minnesota River Valley and the various alternatives for flood-damage reduction: do nothing, delimit new development in flood-hazard areas, evacuate flood-prone areas, build local protection works, construct a series of large reservoirs, improve transportation river-crossings. The author provides background on state and federal legislation affecting Minnesota flood-control policy, as well as the methodology behind this study's economic analyses.

The Last Great Flood: Minnesota River Valley 1965

This publication presents photographs of major flooding that took place in the Minnesota River Valley during the spring of 1965. Locations depicted include the river towns of New Ulm, St. Peter, Le Sueur, Henderson, Shakopee, and Belle Plaine, but the majority of the photos are of Mankato.

Upper Minnesota River Subbasins Study (Public Law 87-639) Draft Interim Feasibility Report: Yellow Medicine Subbasin

U.S. Department of Agriculture-Soil Conservation Service and Depatment of the Army- St. Paul District Corps of Engineers
Focusing on the Yellow Medicine subbasin, this report was one component of the Upper Minnesota River Subbasins Study, an effort designed to assist in solving flooding problems from a basin-wide perspective. The report documents prior relevant studies and existing water projects, describes the study region (e.g., geology, land use, and water quality), identifies alternatives for flood damage and erosion reduction, and provides recommendations for action. Numerous maps and tables are included.

Upper Minnesota River Subbasins Study (Public Law 87-639) Draft Interim Feasibility Report: Yellow Medicine and Lac Qui Parle Subbasins

U.S. Department of Agriculture-Soil Conservation Service and Depatment of the Army- St. Paul District Corps of Engineers
Focusing on the Yellow Bank and Lac Qui Parle subbasins, this report was one component of the Upper Minnesota River Subbasins Study, an effort designed to assist in solving flooding problems from a basin-wide perspective. The report documents prior relevant studies and existing water projects, and describes the study region (e.g., geology, stream system, land use, biological and human resources, and water quality). The flood-control plan predicts future conditions if nothing is done, present problems associated with flooding and erosion, and identifies the alternatives considered.

Chaska: A Minnesota River City (Volume II: 1900-1950)

Barac, LaVonne E
This second of two volumes on the history of the Minnesota River town of Chaska presents information covering the years 1900 through 1950. Topics discussed include education, industry and businesses, city politics, and river flooding. Excerpts from local newspapers and historical photographs are included.
Subscribe to Flooding