Friday, March 27, 2009

WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE, AND NOT A DROP TO DRINK (IT'S FILTHY)

RESCUE COUNTRY STYLE, LINTON
by Jennifer Ohlhauser
(See the people in the tractor's scoop?)
BLOGGER IS BEING VERY FRUSTRATING TODAY AND I HAVE COMPLETELY RUN OUT OF PATIENCE WITH IT. THE TEXT IS WAY DOWN BELOW, AFTER ALL THESE PHOTOS, WHICH SHOW THE FLOODING SITUATION ALL AROUND SOUTH CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA IN THE PAST WEEK.




HAZEN, EAST SIDE
by Judy Bakken


LINTON

DOGS RESCUED FROM HEART RIVER
by Sadie B, Mandan



ICE JAM ON SPRING CREEK
by Brenda Ferebee, Halliday


GEESE SWIMMING ON HER LAWN - YES, HER LAWN
by Sue Erickson of Mandan


WASHED OUT HIGHWAY TO SOLEN
by Darlene Froelich, Solen


BRIDGE WASHOUT WEST OF MANDAN
by Cordell J. Brooke of Mandan


FIFTH STREET, OLD TOWN, LINTON
by Paula from Linton

NOW THAT'S DEEP
by Miranda H. from Beulah, ND

WATER EVERYWHERE
by Corie from Hettinger, ND
(All photos courtesty of Sky Sky Photos, KFYR-TV)

After our blizzard here Wednesday, and some lighter snowfall yesterday, Bismarck's winter of 2008-2009 has the dubious honor of being moved into fourth place for the most snowfall ever in one season. And, we are expecting another "significant" winter storm on Monday. Where did spring go?
Several people have asked me why we wanted to blow up the south ice jam here and didn't want the north jam to break up. Ice jams back up water behind them, and the Missouri flows from north to south here, so the south jam was causing water to pour into SW Bismarck. The north jam, as long as it holds, is keeping the water to north of it. That situation is good for Bismarck, as unfeeling as this attitude is for the poor folks who live along the Missouri's banks to the north.
Also, since the Garrison Dam water release has been cut back to zero, to help Bismarck, the town of Washburn upstream is now short of water because the water level is below the city water intake valve.

The river level has dropped quite a bit here and all evacuated Bismarck residents have now been allowed back in to inspect their homes. However, that does not mean that they will be able to move back in right away, even for those who had no significant water damage. They will have to wait for heat and electricity to be restored. Lots of propane tanks tore loose and floated away.

All attention now turns toward the twin cities of Fargo, ND-Moorhead, MN, where it is said, the residents are entering "uncharted territory", where the river will be "behaving in ways never previously observed." A new forecast has the Red River cresting this weekend at 43 feet - up from the previous prediction of 41 feet. This new prediction has shaken F-M residents' spirits. Their mood has gone from one of "let's beat this thing" to one of near despair that their hard work will be for naught.
"We do not want to give up yet. We want to go down swinging if we go down," Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker said Thursday, just hours after the disheartening news that forecasters had — yet again — increased the projected crest.

Contrary to the situation in Bismarck, ice jams have not been the big problem in the Red River Valley. So why is flooding there such a major issue? One reason is that the river channel is much, much narrower than that of the Missouri and the land is much flatter. The water has no choice but to spread out over hundreds of miles - be it farmland or city.
Several unusual factors sent the Red River surging to historic heights. The winter was unusually cold and snowy, which left a large snow pack sitting on top of frozen ground that couldn't absorb it. Then a warm snap and heavy rain quickly melted the snow and sent it toward the river.

And it all happened to a river that flows north. (Yes, the Red River of the North is one of the few rivers that flows from south to north, just in case you're ever asked that question in Trivial Pursuit or Jeopardy.)
When most rivers in the United States melt, they send the extra water south toward warmer, open water. When the Red breaks up, it sends hunks of ice north into colder water that is often still frozen.
I won't be writing any more posts about the flood in Fargo - I am sure that FOX and CNN will be providing steady coverage.

16 comments:

Dj Connell said...

You are in our thoughts today.

Colleen - the AmAzINg Mrs. B said...

I cannot even imagine the devastation - and the water's sooo cold! My prayers continue..

Lila Rostenberg said...

Brrr!I know you are ready for warm and dry!

Kim Campbell said...

I saw on the news today and came over. Obviously, I am behind in reading. I wanted to check on you after I heard. I know I am far away but if there is anything you need, let me know and I'll do what I can.

Rowan said...

The photos are incredible, it must be terrifying to be caught up in this, the thought of the river rising to 43 feet makes my blood run cold. I hope those people in Fargo manage to save their city. Watched the video of the farm where the dog was in the previous post and it was frightening to see how much the water level has risen. I hope the snowstorm forecast for Monday isn't as bad as they fear.

Anonymous said...

That is so awful what is going on with the floods, those poor people and animals!! Hope it clears up for you soon and sorts itself out. Take care Fiona

Margaret's Ramblings said...

This is so devastating. My prayers are with those affected and with the wild life. Take care and keep us informed.

Margaret

Sometimes It's Good said...

Thanks for explaining things so well. We'll pray for those who are in danger.
Hugs, Susan

LW said...

Heartbreaking.....

I wish I could rescue you out to a warmer place…
A place of flowering trees…
And away from the snow…

Louise

Anonymous said...

I'll keep praying for all those caught in this mess. Take Care!

Naturegirl said...

Julie!I can't believe this flood situation..I shake my head.Here I am in sunny Arizona living in the perfect climate for this time of year..sun and sun and more sunshine...I don't mean to make you feel bad but It's as though I'm in my own littel perfect world here!! YOU must come here next year...and experience SPRING in March!! Gemma and I would love it!!
Stay dry! Keeping residents and pets affected by flooding in my prayers. Praying for their safety. YOU TOO!!
Unbelievable photos!! NG

Leanne said...

the flooding has reached our news over here julie, sending you prayers from across the seas, leanne x

Tammie Lee said...

oh my gosh!
My heart and prayers go to all involved. This must be awful and challenging to say the least!

Sandy said...

You are always in my thoughts and prayers, Julie.

Shopgirl said...

Thinking of you, and thank you for the e-mail.
Keep your powder dry...
Your, Mary

Mary said...

Bob and I are praying for all of you in the flood devastated areas - the pics are frightening - we hope you are safe and dry. Today I believe you have snow - sorry your Winter has continued into Spring.

You are in our thoughts Julie.
Sending love, Mary.