Flood Risk Management

Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration: Section 1135, Lower Otter Tail River, Wilkin County, Minnesota

The purpose of the project is to reestablish the river to a more natural condition, stabilize and improve river channelization, and restore riverine and riparian habitat.
Published: 9/12/2016

Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration: Section 206, Painter Creek, Hennepin County, Minnesota

Painter Creek is part of the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD), which includes part of the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and its western and northwestern suburbs. The Painter Creek Subwatershed is 8,667 acres (13.5 square miles) located along the northwestern boundary of the MCWD and includes Painter Creek, Katrina Lake, Thies Lake, large areas of undisturbed or low-density development (including Baker Park Reserve) and numerous wetlands. The project area consists of wetlands connected by Painter Creek flowing through South Katrina Marsh and Painters Marsh, then into Jennings Bay on Lake Minnetonka.
Published: 3/14/2016

Beneficial Use of Dredged Material: Section 1122, Upper Pool 4 – Lake Pepin, Bay City, Wisconsin

This project utilizes dredged material generated from navigation channel to protect and restore backwater habitat; this is a win-win project for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, our partner agencies, and the environment. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is the non-federal sponsor.
Published: 4/3/2024

Big Sandy Lake Dam Rehabilitation Project

Sandy Lake Dam has undergone a series of modifications, repairs and periodic inspections over its 125-year history. From 2011 to 2016, a series of above and below water inspections identified several features that had deteriorated to a point that repair or replacement were necessary to maintain the long-term stability of the structure.
Published: 10/1/2018

CAP 1135 Leech Lake Dam Fish Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration

The purpose of the project is to provide hydraulic connectivity for aquatic organisms to pass from the Leech River upstream to Leech Lake.
Published: 4/3/2024

CAP 14 Streambank Protection: Section 14, Wastewater Treatment Lagoons, Village of Colfax, Dunn County, Wisconsin

The purpose of the project is to stabilize the riverbank from erosion that may affect the integrity of the wastewater treatment lagoon berm.
Published: 9/27/2021

CAP 206 Kinnickinnic River Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration

There are currently two dams on the Kinnickinnic River in River Falls, Wisconsin. The Kinnickinnic River is a class 1 trout stream and the river section along River Falls is highly degraded because of impoundments. The removal of the Powell Falls Dam, and possibly Junction Falls Dam present a unique opportunity to restore the river to its natural setting.
Published: 4/3/2024

Chippewa Diversion Repairs; Watson, Minnesota

The Chippewa Diversion structure redirect flows from the Chippewa River to the Minnesota River to controlled via the Lac qui Parle embankment dam. The structure includes one Tainter gate and a low flow culvert with sluice gate. The site also includes a low channel. Maintenance is required one the Tainter gate, concrete gate structure, electrical components and low flow channel.
Published: 4/12/2024

Continuing Authorities Program 14: Sheldon Road Bridge

The purpose of this project is to formulate a plan to stabilize the river bank adjacent to Sheldon Road in order to protect the bridge from eroding into the Sheyenne River.
Published: 4/3/2024

Continuing Authorities Program: Streambank Protection – Section 14, County Road 50, Crow River, Hennepin County, Minnesota

Repair an eroding highway embankment along the Crow River. The study area is located in a rural setting in western Hennepin County, Minnesota, approximately 40 miles west of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Crow River, a tributary to the Mississippi River, experienced erosion on a reach north of the city of Delano, Minnesota, where the natural course of the river follows a sharp turn adjacent to County Road 50.
Published: 2/26/2015

Disposition Study, Lower St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam, and Lock and Dam 1, Upper Mississippi

Determine whether or not continued operation and ownership of Lower St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam and Lock and Dam 1 are in the federal interest, and if not, provides supporting information for deauthorization of the project purposes and disposal of the property.
Published: 3/22/2019

Disposition Study, Upper St. Anthony Falls and Lock and Dam, Upper Mississippi River

Determine whether or not continued operation and ownership of Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam (USAF) is in the federal interest, and if not, provide supporting information for deauthorization of the project purposes and disposal of the property. USAF is located on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Published: 3/14/2016

Eau Galle Lake

Authorized purposes for the Eau Galle Lake Project include flood control recreation, and enhancement of fish and wildlife. Eau Galle Lake is located on the Eau Galle River immediately upstream of Spring Valley, Wisconsin, approximately 50 miles east of the Twin Cities of Minnesota.
Published: 2/26/2015

Environmental Infrastructure Assistance: Section 154, Northern Wisconsin

The Section 154 program authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide assistance to northern Wisconsin public entities in the form of design, construction and reconstruction assistance for water-related environmental infrastructure, resource protection and development projects. These include navigation and inland harbor improvement and expansion, wastewater treatment and related facilities, water supply and related facilities, environmental restoration, and surface water resource protection and development.
Published: 10/2/2015

Environmental Infrastructure Assistance: Section 219

The Section 219 program authorizes aid from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to assist non-federal interests in carrying out water-related environmental infrastructure and resource protection and development projects.
Published: 8/30/2024

Environmental Infrastructure Assistance: Section 569, Northeastern Minnesota

The Section 569 program authorizes aid from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the public entities in the 24-county northeastern Minnesota area for design and construction assistance for water related environmental infrastructure and resource protection and development projects. These projects include wastewater treatment and related facilities, water supply and related facilities, environmental restoration, and surface water resource protection and development.
Published: 2/26/2015

Environmental Infrastructure Assistance: Section 594, North Dakota

The program authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to assist public entities, in the form of design and construction for water-related environmental infrastructure, and resource protection and development projects in North Dakota. These projects include wastewater treatment and related facilities. They also include combined sewer overflow, water supply, storage, treatment and related facilities as well as environmental restoration and surface water resource protection and development.
Published: 2/26/2015

Flood Control Sites (MN): Lake Traverse, Orwell Lake, Red Lake, Big Stone - Highway 75 Dam, Lac qui Parle

All Minnesota flood control sites include flood risk management, recreation and environmental stewardship business line functions. Each has public use facilities for shore fishing, picnicking, bird watching and other activities. The land is actively managed for habitat enhancement. Lake Traverse is on the Minnesota–South Dakota border between Browns Valley, Minnesota, and Wahpeton, North Dakota/Breckenridge, Minnesota. It consists of two dams, two reservoirs and the Browns Valley Dike.
Published: 2/27/2015

Flood Control Sites (ND): Lake Ashtabula, Homme Lake, Souris River

Homme Lake and Lake Ashtabula are multiple-purpose sites with flood risk management, recreation and environmental stewardship business functions. Souris River Project is used for flood control and mitigation activities. Homme Lake is 2 miles west of Park River, North Dakota, on the South Branch of the Park River. Walsh County, North Dakota, leases land to operate a recreation area with overnight camping, a day-use area and a boat launch. Lake Ashtabula (Baldhill Dam) is 12 miles northwest of Valley City, North Dakota, on the Sheyenne River. It has overnight camping, swimming, boat launching, and picnic and playground facilities. About 2,500 acres are used for wildlife management. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) owns Upper Souris and J. Clark Salyer Refuges. Lake Darling is 20 miles northwest of Minot, North Dakota. J. Clark Salyer Refuge is 65 miles northeast of Minot, North Dakota.
Published: 2/27/2015

Flood Plain Management Services: Minnesota

The program educates individuals who live and work in floodplains on flood hazards and the actions they can take to reduce property damage and prevent the loss of life. The program’s objective is to foster public understanding of the options for dealing with flood hazards and to promote prudent use and management of the nation’s floodplains.
Published: 4/3/2024

Flood Plain Management Services: North Dakota

This program is to educate individuals who live and work in floodplains on flood hazards and the actions they can take to reduce property damage and prevent the loss of life. The program’s objective is to foster public understanding of the options for dealing with flood hazards and to promote prudent use and management of the nation’s floodplains. Projects in the Flood Plain Management Services (FPMS) program occur throughout North Dakota.
Published: 3/16/2017

Flood Plain Management Services: Wisconsin

This program is to educate individuals who live and work in floodplains on flood hazards and the actions they can take to reduce property damage and prevent the loss of life. The program’s objective is to foster public understanding of the options for dealing with flood hazards and to promote prudent use and management of the nation’s floodplains. Projects in the Flood Plain Management Services (FPMS) program occur throughout Wisconsin.
Published: 3/16/2017

Flood Risk Management: Fargo-Moorhead Metro

The Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area is a major health, education, cultural and commercial center. The area is prone to flooding. The Red River of the North has exceeded the National Weather Service flood stage of 18 feet in 60 of the past 124 years (1902 through 2023, with seven of the top 10 floods occurring in the last 30 years. A 500-year event would flood nearly the entire city of Fargo, a large portion of the city of Moorhead and several smaller communities in the area.
Published: 2/27/2015

Flood Risk Management: Minnesota Silver Jackets Team

Silver Jackets teams are collaborative, state-led, interagency teams that are continuously working together to reduce flood risk at the state level. Through the Silver Jackets program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, additional federal, state, and sometimes local and tribal agencies provide a unified approach to addressing a state’s flood risk priorities. Often, no single agency has the complete solution, but each may have one or more pieces to contribute. Silver Jackets team activities and projects occur throughout Minnesota.
Published: 2/26/2015

Flood Risk Management: North Dakota Silver Jackets Team

Silver Jackets teams are collaborative, state-led, interagency teams that are continuously working together to reduce flood risk at the state level. Through the Silver Jackets program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, additional federal, state, and sometimes local and tribal agencies provide a unified approach to addressing a state’s flood risk priorities. Often, no single agency has the complete solution, but each may have one or more pieces to contribute. Silver Jackets team activities and projects occur throughout North Dakota.
Published: 2/26/2015

Flood Risk Management: Section 205, Minnesota River, Montevideo, Minnesota

The Flood Risk Management program minimizes flood damages and disruptions caused by recurring flooding of the Minnesota and Chippewa rivers. Montevideo is located in Chippewa County in western Minnesota, approximately 130 miles west of St. Paul, Minnesota. The city is at the confluence of the Chippewa and Minnesota rivers and is subject to flooding from both rivers.
Published: 4/3/2024

Flood Risk Management: Section 205, Trempealeau River, Arcadia, Wisconsin

Reduce the risk of damages due to flooding in the city of Arcadia, Wisconsin. Arcadia is located in Trempealeau County in west-central Wisconsin, approximately 130 miles southeast of St. Paul, Minnesota. The city is located on the Trempealeau River, with Turton Creek and Meyers Valley Creek flowing into the Trempealeau River on the east and west sides of the city.
Published: 2/26/2015

Flood Risk Management: Wisconsin Silver Jackets Team

Silver Jackets teams are collaborative, state-led, interagency teams that are continuously working together to reduce flood risk at the state level. Through the Silver Jackets program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, additional federal, state, and sometimes local and tribal agencies provide a unified approach to addressing a state’s flood risk priorities. Often, no single agency has the complete solution, but each may have one or more pieces to contribute. Silver Jackets team activities and projects occur throughout Wisconsin.
Published: 2/27/2015

Fountain City Service Base Sustainment & Modernization

The Fountain City Service Base (FCSB) Sustainment and Modernization Project is a two-phase project to improve the function and safety throughout the service base. The two objectives of the project are to replace the deteriorated mooring dolphins on the west side of the Fountain City harbor channel and modernize the service base. The project is located at the Fountain City Services Base in Pool 5 of the Upper Mississippi River, in Fountain City, Wisconsin.
Published: 3/15/2021

Hydropower, FERC Licensing

Granting licensing of a privately-owned hydropower project on federal property. The project is proposed to be located at Upper St. Anthony Falls lock and dam, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Published: 2/26/2015

Interagency & International Services: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Minneapolis, Minnesota

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a customer of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the agencies have a national level interagency agreement in place for Interagency and International Support (IIS). The Corps’ support will fill a need for the VA regionally by providing rehabilitation and construction of health care facilities for veterans and their families. The VA has twenty-three health care networks. The Midwest Veterans Affairs Integrated Service Network, also known as VISN 23, serves more than 430,000 enrolled veterans and their families residing in the states of Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and portions of Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Published: 10/1/2018

Invasive Carp, Upper Mississippi River

Bighead and silver carp were introduced to the Mississippi River in the 1970s after wastewater treatment ponds were overcome from flooding on the lower Mississippi River. Left uncontrolled, the invasive carp’s feeding habits starve other species and cause turbidity in the waters where they feed, detrimentally altering the habitat that supports native species. Left unchecked, it is concern that the invasive species will continue to expand further upstream into the upper Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.
Published: 9/12/2016

Lac qui Parle Dam

This dam modification and equipment refurbishment project replaces nine sluice gates and associated operating equipment and installs a permanent stop log dewatering system to provide a dry environment to allow for sluice gate and concrete inspection, maintenance, repair and modifications without impeding all flow through the dam. Lac qui Parle Dam is located on the upper Minnesota River 30 miles east of the South Dakota border. The dam is about seven river miles upstream of Montevideo, Minnesota, and 300 river miles upstream of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Published: 9/25/2017

Lac qui Parle Dam Emergency Spillway; Watson, Minnesota

The Lac qui Parle dike and emergency spillway is designed to retain the Lac qui Parle Reservoir during times of flood but is designed for overtopping during extreme events. The overtop elevation of the spillway is 940.75 feet. The Lac qui Parle Dam is located on the upper Minnesota River 30 miles east of the South Dakota border. The dam is about seven river miles upstream of Montevideo, Minnesota. The dike and emergency spillway is adjacent to and west of the dam between the dam and County Hwy 75. The damaged area of the spillway extends approximately 2,500 feet from the dam.
Published: 4/16/2020

Leech Lake Dam Preliminary Engineering Report (PER)

Leech Lake Dam was originally constructed in the early 1880s under the Rivers and Harbors Act as a timber spillway with an earth and timber embankment. Over the history of the dam, the spillway was reconstructed with concrete piers and the downstream apron was replaced with concrete. The cofferdam breached during construction of the concrete aprons in 1957, resulting in loss of fourteen spillway bays which were replaced with earth embankment. Since then, the major components of the dam have remained relatively the same.
Published: 4/24/2024

Levee Safety Program: Iowa

The basic objectives of the Levee Safety Program are to develop balanced and informed assessments of levees within the program; evaluate, prioritize and justify levee safety decisions; and recommend improvements to public safety associated with levee systems. The Corps created the National Levee Database, inventoried all levees in the program and improved inspection procedures. The Corps is developing a method to manage its levee systems and is reviewing and revising current levee-related policies and procedures.
Published: 2/26/2015

Levee Safety Program: Minnesota

The basic objectives of the Levee Safety Program are to develop balanced and informed assessments of levees within the program; evaluate, prioritize and justify levee safety decisions; and recommend improvements to public safety associated with levee systems. The Corps created the National Levee Database, inventoried all levees in the program and improved inspection procedures. The Corps is developing a method to manage its portfolio of levee systems and is reviewing and revising current levee-related policies and procedures.
Published: 2/26/2015

Levee Safety Program: North Dakota

The basic objectives of the Levee Safety Program are to develop balanced and informed assessments of levees within the program; evaluate, prioritize and justify levee safety decisions; and recommend improvements to public safety associated with levee systems. The Corps created the National Levee Database, inventoried all levees in the program and improved inspection procedures. The Corps is developing a method to manage its portfolio of levee systems and is reviewing and revising current levee-related policies and procedures.
Published: 2/26/2015

Levee Safety Program: Wisconsin

The basic objectives of the Levee Safety Program are to develop balanced and informed assessments of levees within the program; evaluate, prioritize and justify levee safety decisions; and recommend improvements to public safety associated with levee systems. The Corps created the National Levee Database, inventoried all levees in the program and improved inspection procedures.
Published: 2/26/2015

Lower Pool 4 Dredged Material Management Plan – Wabasha County, Minnesota; Buffalo and Pepin Counties, Wisconsin

The Lower Pool 4 DMMP study area is located between Lock and Dam 4 and the foot of Lake Pepin, river miles 753.0 to 764.0. The study area includes the Minnesota communities in Wabasha County of Lake City, Wabasha, Reads Landing and Kellogg and the Wisconsin communities in Buffalo and Pepin Counties of Nelson, Alma and Buffalo City.
Published: 3/15/2018

Marsh Lake Ecosystem Restoration Project, Minnesota

The purpose of this project is to modify the existing Marsh Lake Dam to increase the bio-diversity of the Minnesota River/Lac qui Parle/Pomme de Terre River ecosystem without compromising the flood risk management function of the Marsh Lake Dam. Marsh Lake is located on the Minnesota River between Swift and Lac qui Parle counties near Appleton, Minnesota. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers owns and maintains Marsh Lake Dam as part of the Lac qui Parle Flood Risk Management project. The fixed-crest dam holds a conservation pool in the upper portion of the Lac qui Parle Reservoir.
Published: 2/27/2015

Minnesota River Navigation Project

The St. Paul District is responsible for maintaining the 9-foot navigation channel on the Minnesota River from the mouth in St. Paul, Minnesota , to river mile 14.7 in Savage, Minnesota, and 4-foot channel depth from river mile 14.7 to 25.6 in Shakopee, Minnesota. Annual channel maintenance actions are required to maintain the congressionally authorized 9-foot channel depth. These channel maintenance activities consist of dredging, snag removal, and close monitoring of the conditions. The St. Paul District dredges approximately 23,000 cubic yards of material per year from seven distinct locations on the Minnesota River. Both government and contract hydraulic and mechanical dredges are used. Dredged material placement is planned for the long-term and is actively managed to maximize beneficial use of the material and to minimize adverse environmental impacts within the riverine environment.
Published: 9/27/2021

Mississippi River Headwaters Reservoirs

The Mississippi River Headwaters Project consists of six headwaters dams in north-central Minnesota. Cross Lake, Gull Lake, Big Sandy Lake, Lake Winnibigoshish, Pokegama Lake and Leech Lake make up the system. They were constructed or reconstructed between 1900 and 1913 (work on Pokegama started in 1884 and Winnibigoshish in 1885) to aid navigation on the Mississippi River between St. Paul, Minnesota, and Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Because the navigation mission of the headwater’s dams declined with the creation of the upper Mississippi River 9-foot navigation channel and as recreation grew in importance to the region’s economy, the mission shifted to flood risk management, recreation and environmental stewardship.
Published: 3/21/2019

Mississippi River Lock and Dam 1, Ambursen Dam Downstream Repair

The purpose of this project is to re-establish armor downstream of the concrete apron and prevent further scour. Lock and Dam 1 is located on the Minneapolis, Minnesota side of the Mississippi River.
Published: 2/26/2015

Mississippi River Locks and Dams 2–10 Embankment Rehabilitation Adjacent to Structures

Embankment rehabilitation will address restoring embankments to meet current design standards. Overtopping protection adjacent to concrete structures is the first priority for design and construction. No increase in the height of the embankments is planned. Upper Mississippi Locks and Dams 2 through 10.
Published: 2/26/2015

Mississippi River Locks and Dams 2–10 Miter Gates Replacement

Locks and Dams (LD) 2 through 10 have used the same miter gates since their construction in the 1930s. Over time, the gates have been damaged and distressed, which has led to serviceability and safety issues. This project will replace the gates and the anchorages system, increasing navigational longevity and operational readiness while decreasing repair costs and downtime due to maintenance or failure. Upper Mississippi Locks and Dams 2 through 10.
Published: 9/25/2017

Mississippi River Locks and Dams 2–10 Non-Structural Embankment Repair

The non-structural embankment repair projects at Locks and Dams (LD) 2 through 10 will address restoring embankments to meet current design standards. Most dam embankments are currently protected from the erosive forces of water by a layer of riprap placed along the embankment’s length. When the riprap eventually erodes, the embankment itself will erode if more protection is not added. Upper Mississippi Locks and Dams 2 through 10.
Published: 3/22/2019

Mississippi River Locks and Dams 2–10 Tow Rail System

The tow rail system is integral to the operation of each of the Mississippi River Locks and Dams 2 through 10. It is attached to the top of the lock guidewall and helps guide tows through the lock chamber. Each system is comprised of an operating unit, rail and traveling kevel or “mule.” The Locks and Dams 2 through 10 tow rail systems have been deteriorating over the past several years, requiring rehabilitation of these systems.
Published: 3/14/2016

Mississippi River Locks and Dams 3–10 Sheet Pile Installation at Auxiliary Locks

Locks and Dams 3 through 10 have auxiliary chambers. Each auxiliary chamber has only a single set of miter gates that could pass shallow draft navigation traffic if the lock chamber was out of operation and the upstream and downstream pools were equalized. At each site, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers only installed one set of miter gates. An auxiliary lock chamber was never authorized by Congress, which would have included a second set of miter gates. Since installation, the auxiliary emergency gates have never been used, and the gate operating machinery was never installed.
Published: 9/12/2016

Mississippi River Recreation and Environmental Stewardship

Although navigation was the initial purpose of Upper Mississippi River 9-Foot Channel Navigation Project, Congress has since authorized the development of recreational facilities, protection of forest resources, and required the consideration of fish and wildlife conservation.
Published: 2/27/2015

Mississippi River: Lock and Dam 6 Winter Maintenance; Alma, Wisconsin

Purpose of this project is to assure proper periodic maintenance and subsequent operation of the Lock and Dam systems. Lock and Dam 6 is located near the community of Trempealeau, Wisconsin. The Corps of Engineers completed the facility in 1936 as part of the overall 9-foot channel project.
Published: 9/27/2021

National Loon Center and Shoreline Protection Project, Crosslake, Minnesota

The Cross Lake Recreation Area is located at 35507 County Road 66 in Crosslake, Minnesota. The National Loon Center Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization, is proposing the construction of a 15,000 square-foot National Loon Center Facility as well as 3,100 linear feet of shoreline protection efforts at the Cross Lake Recreation Area.
Published: 4/4/2022

National Loon Center Facility, Public Docks and Shoreline Protection Project, Crosslake, MN: Review Outgrant Request (REC, ENS)

The National Loon Center Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization, is proposing the construction of a 15,000 square-foot National Loon Center Facility as well as 3,100 linear feet of shoreline protection efforts at the Cross Lake Recreation Area. The center will include a welcoming entrance and lobby area, interpretive displays, an aquarium, indoor/outdoor classrooms, laboratory, gift shop, conference rooms and office space, and a kitchen designed for concessions and large group events. The architectural design of the facility will conform to a “Northwoods” theme with fountains and a fireplace. Loon focused learning opportunities will extend beyond the interpretive exhibits and into the bay and throughout a trail system along the shoreline. An interpretive trail, multi-slip docks, and shoreline protection measures will provide visitors with a unique and educational experience.
Published: 9/24/2019

Navigation: Mississippi River End Cells

The purpose of this project is to extend the longevity of the guidewalls at each of our locks and dams and to reduce operability issues and required maintenance. An end cell would provide adequate protection of the end monolith along the guidewalls, while the past crib grouting component will add stability. Lock and Dams 2 through 10, which are located from Hastings, Minnesota, to Guttenberg, Iowa.
Published: 3/16/2017

Navigation: Mississippi River Lock and Dam 7, Outdraft

In 2017, a hydraulic study was launched to identify potential causes of the increased outdraft and to investigate and implement measures to alleviate the condition. Flow measurements collected over the last 30 years indicate a significant shift in flows just upstream of Lock and Dam 7 with nearly 20% more flow coming through the existing navigation channel which must then exit through the dam, exacerbating the outdraft condition.
Published: 4/24/2024

Navigation: Pool 3 and Upper Pool 4 Dredged Material Management Plan – Dakota and Washington and Goodhue County, Minnesota, and Pierce County, Wisconsin

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates and maintains the Upper Mississippi River 9-Foot Channel Navigation Project, and one method the Corps uses to keep the channel the right size is dredging river soils or “material.” The purpose of the DMMP is to prepare a coordinated, long-term plan for managing dredged material in Pool 3 and Upper Pool 4. This plan was initiated due to needs for dredged material management upland placement sites.
Published: 4/24/2024

Navigation: Routine Dam Gate Maintenance

Maintenance of the dam spillway gates are required to avoid degradation and eventual replacement. Benefit – cost analyses show it is economically favorable to maintain the gates rather than the replacement option. There are also reliability and safety concerns with allowing the gates to degrade to the point that they must be replaced. formed on site.
Published: 2/26/2015

Navigation: Upper Mississippi River 9-Foot Channel Navigation Project Maintenance Minnesota/Wisconsin/Iowa

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for maintaining a 9-foot navigation channel as an important component of the inland navigation system.
Published: 4/24/2024

Navigation: Upper Pool 4 Channel Management Study Minnesota/Wisconsin

The purpose of the study is to investigate if any action(s) would reduce the dredging frequency in the study area. Navigation in upper Pool 4 has been negatively affected by sedimentation in the navigation channel.
Published: 9/3/2024

Operations & Maintenance: Lake Traverse Repairs Modernization Project

The St. Paul District staff has been conducting field investigations, developing hydrologic and hydraulic models and developing plans and specifications for the three sites as well as the water control manual update. The White Rock Dam modernization project will be ready for contract award in May 2025. The Reservation Dam and Browns Valley Dike work will be completed and awarded in 2025. The Water Control Manual update will be complete in 2025.
Published: 4/15/2024

Pigs Eye Islands CAP 204 Beneficial Use of Dredge Material, St. Paul, Minnesota

The project will beneficially utilize dredge material to create islands that will provide a variety of habitat for fish and wildlife. Pigs Eye Lake is located in Ramsey County, just east of downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, in upper Pool 2 of the Mississippi River. Due to the lake’s close proximity to the Mississippi River, the lake water level is controlled by the level of the river. The lake is located in the Mississippi River Bottomlands Subwatershed.
Published: 4/3/2024

Planning Assistance to States: Big Sandy Lake Fish Movement, Aitkin County, Minnesota

The purpose of the study is to: • Estimate escapement rates through the dam of fish from Big Sandy Lake in relation to environmental and chronological conditions • Estimate the proportion of the fish population that remain in the lake compared with those that move upriver in the watershed • Estimate mortality rates of fish • Estimate angler harvest of Walleye, Northern Pike, Black Crappie and Yellow Perch in Big Sandy Lake • Monitor population dynamics for Walleye, Northern Pike, Tullibee, Black Crappie and Yellow Perch
Published: 9/27/2021

Planning Assistance to States: Mississippi River Water Level Management

The purpose of this comprehensive plan is to: (1) develop regionally-supported action plans for managing pool water levels; (2) improve knowledge of biological responses to water level manipulation, improving public knowledge and engagement; and (3) increase the feasibility and affordability of water level management.
Published: 3/15/2018

Planning Assistance to States: Northern Red River Flood Study

The North Dakota and Minnesota Departments of Transportation requested that a comprehensive water resource plan to identify and prioritize feasible alternatives to reduce the frequency and duration of road closures due to flooding of the Red River of the North.
Published: 8/30/2024

Planning Assistance to States: Red River Basin Comprehensive Study

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of various flood risk reduction measures basin-wide to reduce main stem peak flows by 20% for the larger rare events such as the 0.5 (200-year) and 0.2% (500-year) chance of exceedance floods.
Published: 9/27/2021

Planning Assistance to States: Red River Basin Long Term Flood Study

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of various flood risk reduction measures basin wide to reduce main stem peak flows by 20% for the larger rare events such as the 0.5% (200-year) and 0.2% (500-year) chance of exceedance floods.
Published: 3/22/2019

Planning Assistance to States: River Falls Hydroelectric Project

This project assisted the city of River Falls, Wisconsin, in the development of a comprehensive plan to assess the proposed relicensing of the Junction Falls Development and the decommissioning and removal of the dam at the Powell Falls Development. Both developments are part of the River Falls Hydroelectric Project.
Published: 4/8/2020

Planning Assistance to States: Souris Basin Study

Investigating and evaluating water supply and flood control options requires a thorough understanding of the water resources of the Souris Basin. This comprehensive study also updates the knowledge of the hydrological and hydraulic processes of the Souris River Basin under the current climate regime and climate change. Computer modeling is used to simulate various water supply and flood control options, and methods will be developed to evaluate the effects that these options will have on resource groups.
Published: 9/25/2017

Planning Assistance to States: Thief River Falls

The purpose of this potential project is to aid in providing technical assistance to gather baseline river sediment and morphology data. This data will potentially feed into future feasibility study and project addressing the city of Thief River Falls water quality.
Published: 9/26/2023

Planning Assistance to States: Valley Branch Watershed District, Landlocked Basin Study, Minnesota

The Valley Branch Watershed District (VBWD) project is a comprehensive planning study to assess water level management options for nine landlocked lakes and ponds at risk for flooding in Washington County, Minnesota. This study identifies and assesses alternatives to manage high-water conditions to protect homes, roadways, sewage systems, and other critical infrastructure in the VBWD.
Published: 9/27/2021

Planning Assistance to States: Yellow Medicine River and Minnesota River Watersheds, Minnesota

The Yellow Medicine River is a major tributary to the Minnesota River located in southwestern Minnesota. The study area for this project includes approximately 685 square miles of mostly agricultural lands across five counties. The Yellow Medicine River and Minnesota River wetland project addresses three high priority concerns: (1) mitigate altered hydrology and minimize flooding; (2) minimize transport of excess nutrients, sediment and bacteria; and (3) preserve groundwater quantity and quality.
Published: 3/16/2017

Pool 10 Dredged Material Management Plan – Allamakee & Clayton County, Iowa, and Crawford & Grant County, Wisconsin

The Pool 10 Dredged Material Management Plan (DMMP) study area is located between Lock and Dam 9 near Lynxville, Wisconsin, and Lock and Dam 10 at Guttenberg, Iowa, spanning nearly 33 river miles from 615.1 to 648.0. The study area includes several communities near the main navigation channel including Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, and Guttenberg, Iowa.
Published: 3/17/2021

Pool 2 Dredged Material Management Plan – Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota and Washington Counties, Minnesota

The purpose of the Dredged Material Management Plan (DMMP) is to prepare a coordinated long-term plan for managing dredged material in Pool 2. This plan was initiated due to increases in dredging volumes throughout Pool 2. Furthermore, three temporary dredged material placement sites need to be excavated in Lower Pool 2.
Published: 3/15/2018

Pool 2 Wing Dam Modification Project, Upper Mississippi River Pool 2, Minnesota

This project will notch a series of wing dams throughout Pool 2 in order to improve main channel border habitat for fishes. Wing dam notching will enable downstream scouring, which creates overwintering habitat. The project area is in the middle and lower half of Pool 2, Upper Mississippi River, downstream of St. Paul, Minnesota; spanning Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties, Minnesota.
Published: 11/24/2020

Pool 6 Dredged Material Management Plan – Winona County, Minnesota; Buffalo and Trempealeau Counties, Wisconsin

The purpose of the Dredged Material Management Plan (DMMP) is to prepare a coordinated long-term plan for managing dredged material from Pool 6. The Pool 6 DMMP study area is located between Lock and Dam 5A at river mile 728.5 and Lock and Dam 6 at river mile 714.1. The study area borders the city of Winona, Minnesota, at the upstream end and extends downstream of the village of Trempealeau, Wisconsin.
Published: 3/15/2018

Pool 9 Dredged Material Management Plan – Houston County, Minnesota, Allamakee County, Iowa, and Vernon County, Wisconsin

The purpose of the DMMP is to prepare a coordinated long-term plan for managing dredged material in Pool 9. This plan was initiated due to needs for dredged material management upland placement sites, especially in the upstream reach of the pool. The Pool 9 Dredged Material Management Plan (DMMP) study area is located between Lock and Dam 8 at Genoa, Wisconsin, and Lock and Dam 9 near Lynxville, Wisconsin, spanning more than 31 river miles from 679.2 to 648.0. The study area includes several communities near the main navigation channel including Lansing, Iowa, and De Soto, Wisconsin.
Published: 3/15/2018

Project Alteration Reviews: Section 408

Section 14 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 authorizes the Secretary of the Army to grant permission for alterations to existing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects under certain circumstances. The authority is codified in 33 U.S.C. Section 408. Authority to approve alterations has been delegated to the district commander in most cases, although certain alterations require approval from the director of Civil Works at the Corps’ Headquarters. The Corps may grant permission for the alteration or permanent occupation or use of any of its public works when, in the Corps’ judgment, the occupation or use will not be injurious to the public interest and will not impair the usefulness of the federal works.
Published: 9/24/2019

Small-Boat Harbor Dredging, St. Paul, Minnesota

The St. Paul Small-Boat Harbor is on the lower end of Harriet Island in St. Paul, Minnesota, at Upper Mississippi River mile 839.6 on the right descending bank. The length of the harbor is 2,375 feet; the width varies from 200 to 400 feet. The Corps of Engineers is authorized to maintain the harbor to a depth of 5.0 feet below low control pool elevation of 687.2 feet mean sea level (msl). The city of St. Paul is the non-federal sponsor for the project and is required to furnish a suitable placement site for the dredged material.
Published: 10/2/2015

Souris Basin Section 408

Following the 2011 flood event, North Dakota developed a preliminary engineering report that evaluated alternatives to mitigate flood risks throughout the Souris Basin. The report recommended a flood risk management project that would provide protection up to the 2011 flood of record levels or approximately 27,400 cubic feet per second or cfs.
Published: 2/26/2015

Souris River Basin, North Dakota

In the mid-1970s, a series of major flood events occurred. To protect the communities, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed a series of emergency levees under Public Law 84‒99. These levees were later incorporated into the federal project. Since then, the emergency levees have undergone limited maintenance and experienced structural encroachments; however, these levees remain the primary line of defense for major flood events. While the emergency levees have provided some protection against major flood events, a permanent solution is needed to reduce the flood risk to these critical North Dakota communities. The Souris River in the North Dakota cities of Burlington, Minot, Logan, and Sawyer had a flood of record in 2011 with flows of 27,400 cubic feet per second. These flows devastated the communities and caused evacuations of more than 11,000 residents and approximately $1 billion in damage to private and public property.
Published: 2/27/2015

Tribal Partnership Program

The Tribal Partnership Program (TPP) provides authority for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to utilize TPP to perform water-related planning activities and activities related to the study, design and construction of water resources development projects located primarily on tribal lands that substantially benefit federally-recognized tribes. To start the process, a tribe submits a study request to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps evaluates the request, and if viable, the Corps works with the tribe to determine a scope of work and enters into a feasibility cost sharing agreement (FCSA). Following the execution of the FCSA, the Corps seeks federal funding for the study.
Published: 9/25/2017

Tribal Partnership Program: Hydrogeologic Study and Groundwater Flow Model with Scenarios of the Shell Valley Aquifer, Turtle Mountain Reservation, ND

The Tribal population within the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation relies on groundwater, mainly the Shell Valley Aquifer, as their source of water. In November 2019, the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indian (TMBCI) requested assistance to provide scientific information needed for managing tribal community groundwater resources and to better understand potential contaminate flow paths.
Published: 9/27/2021

Tribal Partnership Program: Lower Sioux Indian Community

The study will assess the problems and opportunities being faced by the Lower Sioux Indian Community on their tribal lands and make recommendations related to erosion along the Minnesota River adjacent to and impacting those lands. The Lower Sioux Indian Community is located south of the Minnesota River in Redwood County, approximately 2 miles south of the city of Morton, Minnesota.
Published: 11/24/2020

Tribal Partnership Program: Red Lake Fish Passage & Wetland Restoration, Red Lake River, Minnesota

The study will address the degradation of culturally significant habitat faced by the Red Lake Nation on their tribal lands along the Red Lake River and the Zah Gheeng Marsh. The study will assess and make recommendations related to fish passage through a low-head dam and habitat restoration opportunities within the Zah Gheeng Marsh along the Red Lake River.
Published: 9/27/2021

Tribal Partnership Program: Section 203, Big Sand Lake Shoreline Stabilization

The purpose of the project is to stop erosion along tribal lands on the southeast side of the lake while enhancing access to the water for cultural practices. Fed by groundwater, Big Sand Lake is a clear, soft water lake that has varying levels of algae growth within the year, affecting lake health. The lake, located in Burnett County, Wisconsin, is typically 1,434 surface acres with a maximum depth of 55 feet.
Published: 10/1/2018

Tribal Partnership Program: Sturgeon Lake

The purpose of the project is to address sedimentation, erosion and degradation of culturally significant habitat on Prairie Island Indian Community’s tribal land in Sturgeon Lake. Priority objectives identified in the feasibility study, which will be carried forward in the design and implementation phase are to: (1) reduce shoreline erosion on the Buffalo Slough Island; and (2) improve/restore floodplain forest habitat on Buffalo Slough Island.
Published: 3/20/2018

Tribal Partnership Program: Upper Sioux Community, Minnesota River

The study will assess the problems and opportunities being faced by the Upper Sioux Community on their tribal lands and make recommendations related to erosion along the Minnesota River adjacent to and impacting those lands. The Upper Sioux Community is located south of the Minnesota River in Yellow Medicine County, approximately four miles south of the city of Granite Falls, Minnesota.
Published: 4/14/2020

Upper Mississippi River - Illinois Waterway System Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP)

Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP) is a long-term program of ecosystem restoration and navigation improvements for the Upper Mississippi River System (UMRS). NESP will improve system capacity and reduce commercial traffic delays through construction of seven new 1,200-foot locks, mooring cells, and switchboat implementation.
Published: 12/2/2020

Upper Mississippi River – Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP) Systemic Mitigation Island 4 Project

Sedimentation and sediment resuspension caused a loss in water depth diversity of the backwater lakes and isolated wetlands above Lake Pepin as well as a loss in aquatic vegetation. Concerns over habitat deficiencies in Upper Pool 4 include reduced habitat diversity and quality, lack of aquatic vegetation and invertebrates, and reduced abundance of fish and wildlife. The project includes construction of a peninsula to improve habitat conditions by reducing wind, waves, and redirecting sediment inflows. It also includes overwintering dredging to support a deep water habitat for fish and bank and shoreline stabilization to reduce inflows and erosion during high flow events.
Published: 4/12/2024

Upper Mississippi River – Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP) Wacouta Bay Project

This is a NESP study partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR), Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The study will consider alternatives including island building and enhancement, forest enhancement and creation, backwater restoration and dredging, island and shoreline protection and beneficial use of dredged material.
Published: 4/12/2024

Upper Mississippi River – Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program Sny Magill Project

This NESP study is a partnership with the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Iowa Dept of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Dept of Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The study will consider alternatives including riverbank stabilization and protection, floodplain restoration, closure or partial closure structures, and in-channel diversion structures.
Published: 4/12/2024

Upper Mississippi River 9-Foot Channel Navigation Project Locks and Dams, Minnesota/Wisconsin/Iowa

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District is responsible for maintaining 244 miles of the Upper Mississippi River 9-foot channel navigation system from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Guttenberg, Iowa. The Upper Mississippi River 9-Foot Channel Navigation Project is located in or contiguous to Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. The navigation project within the St. Paul District includes 13 locks and dams that are operated and maintained by the Corps. In addition to the locks and dams, the project includes channel maintenance, recreation and natural resource activities.
Published: 2/27/2015

Upper Mississippi River 9-Foot Channel Navigation Project Maintenance Minnesota/Wisconsin/Iowa

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for maintaining a 9-foot navigation channel as an important component to the inland navigation system. The St. Paul District (MVP) is responsible for maintaining 244 miles of the Upper Mississippi River 9-Foot Channel Navigation Project from the head of navigation at Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Guttenberg, Iowa. The navigation project also includes the lower navigable portions of the Minnesota, St. Croix, and Black Rivers.
Published: 2/26/2015

Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program: Lower Pool 10 Islands, Guttenberg, Iowa Habitat Restoration

The Lower Pool 10 Islands are part of the Upper Mississippi River Restoration (UMRR) Program. The site is a 1,000-acre side channel and island complex located on the Iowa side of the Mississippi River navigation channel in Pool 10, about one mile upstream from Lock and Dam 10 in Guttenberg, Iowa. The site lies within the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.
Published: 4/12/2017

Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program: McGregor Lake, Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin Habitat Restoration

McGregor Lake is a 200-acre backwater lake in Pool 10 of the Mississippi River. The McGregor Lake project is located on the Wisconsin side of the Upper Mississippi River in the middle of Pool 10, near Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin. The site lies within the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.
Published: 4/12/2017

Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program: Minnesota/Wisconsin/Iowa Habitat Restoration

This program, authorized by Congress in 1986, emphasizes habitat rehabilitation and enhancement projects (HREPs) and long-term resource monitoring. The HREP component includes dredging backwater areas and channels, constructing dikes, creating and stabilizing islands, controlling side channel flows and water levels, and creating floodplain forest habitat.
Published: 3/20/2017

Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program: Reno Bottoms, Pool 9, Upper Mississippi River

The primary objective of this project is to protect, restore, or create resilient and diverse bottomland forests. The quality and extent of the unique forest and aquatic habitat in the Reno Bottoms project area has been declining over the past several decades. Human caused changes in hydrology, land use, and climate have increased water levels within the project area. Without action, the project area will continue to degrade. The quality of forest and aquatic habitat will decrease. Invasive grasses would expand into forests, limiting opportunities for smaller trees to grow and reducing habitat value. Additional loss of wetland habitat would adversely affect migrating waterbirds and songbirds who require the floodplain forest to stop and rest.
Published: 3/22/2019

Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program: Robinson Lake, Pool 4, Minnesota - Habitat Restoration

The proposed project goal is to maintain, enhance, and create habitat suitable for native and desirable, aquatic and terrestrial plants and animals. The Robinson Lake area has lost bathymetric diversity, floodplain forest patch size, connectivity, and interior forest habitat over time. Island creation/enhancement and dredging would be the primary tools used to counter-act the losses. Increasing wild celery beds and perennial emergent vegetation would also be a goal within the lake to increase opportunities for migratory waterfowl. The project seeks to protect, enhance, restore, or create backwater and flowing channel habitats that provide diverse flow conditions and sediment dynamics that will benefit native fish (including migratory species) and mussel populations. The project seeks to protect and enhance diverse bottomland forest that will benefit migratory and resident birds and other species. The project also seeks to maintain or increase quantity and diversity of submerged, emergent, and rooted floating leaved vegetation.
Published: 4/15/2024

Upper Mississippi River Restoration Project Big Lake, Pool 4, Wisconsin

As with the much of the upper Mississippi River, sedimentation of backwater areas is an ongoing issue. The project area is greatly influenced by the input of sand from the Chippewa River that enters Pool 4 at about river mile 764. Other potential sources of sand are the historic channel maintenance dredging side-cast islands and the four active temporary placement sites within the study area. Big Lake has lost much of its island complex and bottomland forest to wind and wave erosion. The barrier islands between the lake and Catfish Slough have been degraded and/or eliminated over the past several years.
Published: 4/4/2022

Flood Risk Management projects, studies and information papers

Big Sandy Lake Dam Rehabilitation Project

Sandy Lake Dam has undergone a series of modifications, repairs and periodic inspections over its 125-year history. From 2011 to 2016, a series of above and below water inspections identified several features that had deteriorated to a point that repair or replacement were necessary to maintain the long-term stability of the structure.
Published: 10/1/2018

Eau Galle Lake

Authorized purposes for the Eau Galle Lake Project include flood control recreation, and enhancement of fish and wildlife. Eau Galle Lake is located on the Eau Galle River immediately upstream of Spring Valley, Wisconsin, approximately 50 miles east of the Twin Cities of Minnesota.
Published: 2/26/2015

Flood Control Sites (MN): Lake Traverse, Orwell Lake, Red Lake, Big Stone - Highway 75 Dam, Lac qui Parle

All Minnesota flood control sites include flood risk management, recreation and environmental stewardship business line functions. Each has public use facilities for shore fishing, picnicking, bird watching and other activities. The land is actively managed for habitat enhancement. Lake Traverse is on the Minnesota–South Dakota border between Browns Valley, Minnesota, and Wahpeton, North Dakota/Breckenridge, Minnesota. It consists of two dams, two reservoirs and the Browns Valley Dike.
Published: 2/27/2015

Flood Control Sites (ND): Lake Ashtabula, Homme Lake, Souris River

Homme Lake and Lake Ashtabula are multiple-purpose sites with flood risk management, recreation and environmental stewardship business functions. Souris River Project is used for flood control and mitigation activities. Homme Lake is 2 miles west of Park River, North Dakota, on the South Branch of the Park River. Walsh County, North Dakota, leases land to operate a recreation area with overnight camping, a day-use area and a boat launch. Lake Ashtabula (Baldhill Dam) is 12 miles northwest of Valley City, North Dakota, on the Sheyenne River. It has overnight camping, swimming, boat launching, and picnic and playground facilities. About 2,500 acres are used for wildlife management. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) owns Upper Souris and J. Clark Salyer Refuges. Lake Darling is 20 miles northwest of Minot, North Dakota. J. Clark Salyer Refuge is 65 miles northeast of Minot, North Dakota.
Published: 2/27/2015

Flood Plain Management Services: Minnesota

The program educates individuals who live and work in floodplains on flood hazards and the actions they can take to reduce property damage and prevent the loss of life. The program’s objective is to foster public understanding of the options for dealing with flood hazards and to promote prudent use and management of the nation’s floodplains.
Published: 4/3/2024

Flood Plain Management Services: North Dakota

This program is to educate individuals who live and work in floodplains on flood hazards and the actions they can take to reduce property damage and prevent the loss of life. The program’s objective is to foster public understanding of the options for dealing with flood hazards and to promote prudent use and management of the nation’s floodplains. Projects in the Flood Plain Management Services (FPMS) program occur throughout North Dakota.
Published: 3/16/2017

Flood Plain Management Services: Wisconsin

This program is to educate individuals who live and work in floodplains on flood hazards and the actions they can take to reduce property damage and prevent the loss of life. The program’s objective is to foster public understanding of the options for dealing with flood hazards and to promote prudent use and management of the nation’s floodplains. Projects in the Flood Plain Management Services (FPMS) program occur throughout Wisconsin.
Published: 3/16/2017

Flood Risk Management: Fargo-Moorhead Metro

The Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area is a major health, education, cultural and commercial center. The area is prone to flooding. The Red River of the North has exceeded the National Weather Service flood stage of 18 feet in 60 of the past 124 years (1902 through 2023, with seven of the top 10 floods occurring in the last 30 years. A 500-year event would flood nearly the entire city of Fargo, a large portion of the city of Moorhead and several smaller communities in the area.
Published: 2/27/2015

Flood Risk Management: Minnesota Silver Jackets Team

Silver Jackets teams are collaborative, state-led, interagency teams that are continuously working together to reduce flood risk at the state level. Through the Silver Jackets program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, additional federal, state, and sometimes local and tribal agencies provide a unified approach to addressing a state’s flood risk priorities. Often, no single agency has the complete solution, but each may have one or more pieces to contribute. Silver Jackets team activities and projects occur throughout Minnesota.
Published: 2/26/2015

Flood Risk Management: North Dakota Silver Jackets Team

Silver Jackets teams are collaborative, state-led, interagency teams that are continuously working together to reduce flood risk at the state level. Through the Silver Jackets program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, additional federal, state, and sometimes local and tribal agencies provide a unified approach to addressing a state’s flood risk priorities. Often, no single agency has the complete solution, but each may have one or more pieces to contribute. Silver Jackets team activities and projects occur throughout North Dakota.
Published: 2/26/2015

Flood Risk Management: Section 205, Minnesota River, Montevideo, Minnesota

The Flood Risk Management program minimizes flood damages and disruptions caused by recurring flooding of the Minnesota and Chippewa rivers. Montevideo is located in Chippewa County in western Minnesota, approximately 130 miles west of St. Paul, Minnesota. The city is at the confluence of the Chippewa and Minnesota rivers and is subject to flooding from both rivers.
Published: 4/3/2024

Flood Risk Management: Section 205, Trempealeau River, Arcadia, Wisconsin

Reduce the risk of damages due to flooding in the city of Arcadia, Wisconsin. Arcadia is located in Trempealeau County in west-central Wisconsin, approximately 130 miles southeast of St. Paul, Minnesota. The city is located on the Trempealeau River, with Turton Creek and Meyers Valley Creek flowing into the Trempealeau River on the east and west sides of the city.
Published: 2/26/2015

Flood Risk Management: Wisconsin Silver Jackets Team

Silver Jackets teams are collaborative, state-led, interagency teams that are continuously working together to reduce flood risk at the state level. Through the Silver Jackets program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, additional federal, state, and sometimes local and tribal agencies provide a unified approach to addressing a state’s flood risk priorities. Often, no single agency has the complete solution, but each may have one or more pieces to contribute. Silver Jackets team activities and projects occur throughout Wisconsin.
Published: 2/27/2015

Lac qui Parle Dam

This dam modification and equipment refurbishment project replaces nine sluice gates and associated operating equipment and installs a permanent stop log dewatering system to provide a dry environment to allow for sluice gate and concrete inspection, maintenance, repair and modifications without impeding all flow through the dam. Lac qui Parle Dam is located on the upper Minnesota River 30 miles east of the South Dakota border. The dam is about seven river miles upstream of Montevideo, Minnesota, and 300 river miles upstream of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Published: 9/25/2017

Levee Safety Program: Iowa

The basic objectives of the Levee Safety Program are to develop balanced and informed assessments of levees within the program; evaluate, prioritize and justify levee safety decisions; and recommend improvements to public safety associated with levee systems. The Corps created the National Levee Database, inventoried all levees in the program and improved inspection procedures. The Corps is developing a method to manage its levee systems and is reviewing and revising current levee-related policies and procedures.
Published: 2/26/2015

Levee Safety Program: Minnesota

The basic objectives of the Levee Safety Program are to develop balanced and informed assessments of levees within the program; evaluate, prioritize and justify levee safety decisions; and recommend improvements to public safety associated with levee systems. The Corps created the National Levee Database, inventoried all levees in the program and improved inspection procedures. The Corps is developing a method to manage its portfolio of levee systems and is reviewing and revising current levee-related policies and procedures.
Published: 2/26/2015

Levee Safety Program: North Dakota

The basic objectives of the Levee Safety Program are to develop balanced and informed assessments of levees within the program; evaluate, prioritize and justify levee safety decisions; and recommend improvements to public safety associated with levee systems. The Corps created the National Levee Database, inventoried all levees in the program and improved inspection procedures. The Corps is developing a method to manage its portfolio of levee systems and is reviewing and revising current levee-related policies and procedures.
Published: 2/26/2015

Levee Safety Program: Wisconsin

The basic objectives of the Levee Safety Program are to develop balanced and informed assessments of levees within the program; evaluate, prioritize and justify levee safety decisions; and recommend improvements to public safety associated with levee systems. The Corps created the National Levee Database, inventoried all levees in the program and improved inspection procedures.
Published: 2/26/2015

Mississippi River Headwaters Reservoirs

The Mississippi River Headwaters Project consists of six headwaters dams in north-central Minnesota. Cross Lake, Gull Lake, Big Sandy Lake, Lake Winnibigoshish, Pokegama Lake and Leech Lake make up the system. They were constructed or reconstructed between 1900 and 1913 (work on Pokegama started in 1884 and Winnibigoshish in 1885) to aid navigation on the Mississippi River between St. Paul, Minnesota, and Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Because the navigation mission of the headwater’s dams declined with the creation of the upper Mississippi River 9-foot navigation channel and as recreation grew in importance to the region’s economy, the mission shifted to flood risk management, recreation and environmental stewardship.
Published: 3/21/2019

Planning Assistance to States: Northern Red River Flood Study

The North Dakota and Minnesota Departments of Transportation requested that a comprehensive water resource plan to identify and prioritize feasible alternatives to reduce the frequency and duration of road closures due to flooding of the Red River of the North.
Published: 8/30/2024

Planning Assistance to States: Red River Basin Long Term Flood Study

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of various flood risk reduction measures basin wide to reduce main stem peak flows by 20% for the larger rare events such as the 0.5% (200-year) and 0.2% (500-year) chance of exceedance floods.
Published: 3/22/2019

Planning Assistance to States: Souris Basin Study

Investigating and evaluating water supply and flood control options requires a thorough understanding of the water resources of the Souris Basin. This comprehensive study also updates the knowledge of the hydrological and hydraulic processes of the Souris River Basin under the current climate regime and climate change. Computer modeling is used to simulate various water supply and flood control options, and methods will be developed to evaluate the effects that these options will have on resource groups.
Published: 9/25/2017

Project Alteration Reviews: Section 408

Section 14 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 authorizes the Secretary of the Army to grant permission for alterations to existing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects under certain circumstances. The authority is codified in 33 U.S.C. Section 408. Authority to approve alterations has been delegated to the district commander in most cases, although certain alterations require approval from the director of Civil Works at the Corps’ Headquarters. The Corps may grant permission for the alteration or permanent occupation or use of any of its public works when, in the Corps’ judgment, the occupation or use will not be injurious to the public interest and will not impair the usefulness of the federal works.
Published: 9/24/2019

Souris Basin Section 408

Following the 2011 flood event, North Dakota developed a preliminary engineering report that evaluated alternatives to mitigate flood risks throughout the Souris Basin. The report recommended a flood risk management project that would provide protection up to the 2011 flood of record levels or approximately 27,400 cubic feet per second or cfs.
Published: 2/26/2015

Souris River Basin, North Dakota

In the mid-1970s, a series of major flood events occurred. To protect the communities, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed a series of emergency levees under Public Law 84‒99. These levees were later incorporated into the federal project. Since then, the emergency levees have undergone limited maintenance and experienced structural encroachments; however, these levees remain the primary line of defense for major flood events. While the emergency levees have provided some protection against major flood events, a permanent solution is needed to reduce the flood risk to these critical North Dakota communities. The Souris River in the North Dakota cities of Burlington, Minot, Logan, and Sawyer had a flood of record in 2011 with flows of 27,400 cubic feet per second. These flows devastated the communities and caused evacuations of more than 11,000 residents and approximately $1 billion in damage to private and public property.
Published: 2/27/2015