Posted: 9/25/07
Conservation practices prevent further damage during floods
 The flash flood of August 2007 would have caused considerably more damage in Houston County if it hadnít been for the conservation farming practices, buffer zones along streams and creeks, and the many diversion dams and ponds that have been constructed over the past decades. In the first photo, a large pile of debris is piled atop this earthen dam constructed in Mound Prairie Township near Hokah. This dam collected runoff from nearly 1,000 acres, holding back much of the water that could have washed out the township road below, and perhaps a nearby residence. In the photo above, at the height of the floods, the water did go over this earthen dam. |
Severe flooding in Southeast Minnesota has drawn attention to conservation practices such as water retention dams and sediment control basins. The Root River Soil and Water Conservation District has assisted landowners with installation of conservation measures since 1939. Many of these practices helped prevent even more severe damage throughout the area.
One example is an earthen dam constructed in Mound Prairie Township near Hokah. This dam collected runoff from nearly 1,000 acres, holding back much of the water that could have washed out the township road below, and perhaps a nearby residence.
The structure was designed to hold runoff from a 5.3 inch rain in a 24 hour period. On Aug. 19, 2007, over 14 inches of rain severely tested the limits of the dam.
"The structure is designed to allow water to bypass the dam though an emergency spillway during a heavier rain," said Natural Resource Conservation Technician Tim Weisbrod. The spillway sustained minor damage during the event.
Damage to conservation practices throughout the area are common because of the severity of the event. Although many practices did have damage, they continued to hold, preventing even more damage downstream. Landowners are encouraged to inspect their conservation practices for damage and contact the local SWCD office for assistance.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com