Many factors contribute to flooding

Spring is the season for flooding. Locally, with below normal precipitation, below normal snowpack, and cold temperatures, we have not had to deal with such issues this season.

Elsewhere across the Midwest, however, ice jams, saturated ground, melting snow and heavy precipitation have led to potentially record flood conditions. One of the most severely affected locations has been the Red River Valley in eastern North Dakota.

The Red River runs north along the North Dakota-Minnesota border, with Fargo and Grand Forks located along the river valley. The area usually floods at least once a year. Recent years, however, have brought devastating flooding to the region, with many factors causing the odds to be stacked against cities like Fargo.

The first factor is the orientation of the river. The Red River flows northward. Spring thaw begins at the southern section and works its way northward, as runoff flows toward the newly melted snow. Ice jams can then pose problems as the water flows toward colder regions and encounters ice. These chunks of ice build upon each other, slowing and even damming the water flow.

Making matters worse is the fact that the Red River is fairly young, geologically speaking. Because of this, the river has not carved a significant valley-floodplain system, and is surrounded by a large expanse of some of the flattest terrain in the world. This can lead to coverage of large area by floodwaters.

Finally, there is the slope of the river, which averages 5 inches per mile in the Fargo region, but lessens to 1.5 inches per mile as the river moves north to the Canadian border. During floods, the water pools, turning the region into one massive lake.

In our neck of the woods, look for a continuation of wet weather along with below normal temperatures through all of the upcoming week. On the bright side, fresh snow will continue to fall at area ski resorts, making for some excellent spring conditions.