In 1996-1997, North Dakota experienced the great flood, which left Grand Forks powerless for some time. Many can recall the incident, and many also prayed that it would never occur a second time. They got their wish: This year’s flood is worse than 1997.
Again, a big thank you goes out to Mother Nature. Without her additional snow, we may have had an enjoyable spring, but that is too ordinary. It was not like, as North Dakotans, we could not handle the snowfall, but what set this year apart is that the snow never ceased. Since the snow was also very wet, when it landed on the ground, it soaked in and froze. As the winter months continued, the snow accumulated on the ground, piling up into mounds that would take weeks to melt. When the sun did finally shine and some of the snow did melt away, it froze and the piles grew ever taller. This is simply related to the fact that the ground was frozen and none of the water could soak in and disappear. It needed to go somewhere, and this led the water to the streets.
Aside for the amount of snow that fell this year, 1997 did not have the over ground flooding that North Dakota is experiencing now. This comes back to the amount of snow that did not m
elt. Now, it is April and temperatures are reaching the 30’s and 40’s. This means the snow that did not melt previously is beginning to add water to the river. And, since the temperature is increasing, snow becomes rain. The water levels in rivers across North Dakota—including the Sheyenne, James, and Red—have risen to dangerous levels, threatening the residents in the 39th state.
Record snow fall plagued North Dakota in December alone. The amount of snow left people immobile and the freezing temperatures rendered the snow in the same manner. The combination turned into the nightmare now being faced by the state.
In order to solve this, citizens and lawmakers alike have turned to creating sandbags and contingency dykes throughout residential neighborhoods. The water has already broken through one dyke, since they are not meant to withstand days of pressure. This morning, my family was told to evacuate their house, which is located on 8th Ave. Later, dorm residents were asked to not return or to leave as it is. What will become of the flood of 2009?
Only Mother Nature can truly tell us where our fates lie. And, knowing the unpredictable force of this woman, soon Valley City could be known as Valley Lake. It looks like we have to wait and see.
Again, a big thank you goes out to Mother Nature. Without her additional snow, we may have had an enjoyable spring, but that is too ordinary. It was not like, as North Dakotans, we could not handle the snowfall, but what set this year apart is that the snow never ceased. Since the snow was also very wet, when it landed on the ground, it soaked in and froze. As the winter months continued, the snow accumulated on the ground, piling up into mounds that would take weeks to melt. When the sun did finally shine and some of the snow did melt away, it froze and the piles grew ever taller. This is simply related to the fact that the ground was frozen and none of the water could soak in and disappear. It needed to go somewhere, and this led the water to the streets.
Aside for the amount of snow that fell this year, 1997 did not have the over ground flooding that North Dakota is experiencing now. This comes back to the amount of snow that did not m
elt. Now, it is April and temperatures are reaching the 30’s and 40’s. This means the snow that did not melt previously is beginning to add water to the river. And, since the temperature is increasing, snow becomes rain. The water levels in rivers across North Dakota—including the Sheyenne, James, and Red—have risen to dangerous levels, threatening the residents in the 39th state.Record snow fall plagued North Dakota in December alone. The amount of snow left people immobile and the freezing temperatures rendered the snow in the same manner. The combination turned into the nightmare now being faced by the state.
In order to solve this, citizens and lawmakers alike have turned to creating sandbags and contingency dykes throughout residential neighborhoods. The water has already broken through one dyke, since they are not meant to withstand days of pressure. This morning, my family was told to evacuate their house, which is located on 8th Ave. Later, dorm residents were asked to not return or to leave as it is. What will become of the flood of 2009?
Only Mother Nature can truly tell us where our fates lie. And, knowing the unpredictable force of this woman, soon Valley City could be known as Valley Lake. It looks like we have to wait and see. 
I was in elementary school for the 97 flood, but I still remember it. I thought that was bad, but this years flooding was worse. You wouldn't think it could get any worse and then it does. It makes you wonder just how bad it really can get. Fortunately, my house in West Fargo was not in any danger of flooding, but I knew plenty of people from the FM area that were in need of help to save their homes. I could not even imagine losing everything plus your home to water damage. Thank goodness to everyone who volunteered and the National Guards who are still helping out a ton.
ReplyDeleteKyle,
ReplyDeleteOh, how I remember Shania Twain. As a young child I must admit I was a little obsessed with the country singer. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons why I can’t stand much country now. That and I grew up in a very small town where the only radio station we received for the majority of my life was good old 730 CKDM, which is country. The flood has definitely impacted many people’s lives in North Dakota and here in Manitoba where I live. It’s really sad to see people have to lose their homes and possessions to something that they just can’t control.