Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States.

                                           Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community,

                                           or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states.

However, all floods are not alike. Some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. But flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes and without any visible signs of rain. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries rocks, mud, and other debris and can sweep away most things in its path. Overland flooding occurs outside a defined river or stream, such as when a levee is breached, but still can be destructive. Flooding can also occur when a dam breaks, producing effects similar to flash floods.

Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live, but especially if you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds, or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood. Every state is at risk from this hazard. (Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency)

Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Maps, Insurance, and Information:  Website


Preparedness

USGS WaterAlert
The U.S. Geological Survey WaterAlert service sends e-mail or text messages when certain parameters measured by a USGS data-collection station exceed user-definable thresholds. The development and maintenance of the WaterAlert system is supported by USGS and its data-collection partners, including numerous federal, state, and local agencies.

Real-time data from USGS gages are transmitted via satellite or other telemetry to USGS offices at various intervals; in most cases, once every 1 or 4 hours. Emergency transmissions, such as during floods, may be more frequent. Notifications will be based on the data received at these site-dependent intervals

Sign up here: 
http://water.usgs.gov/wateralert.

ND State Water Commission Reports Completed for the Section 22 Study

Flood Plan

Flood Monitoring

Emmons County Flood Annex was been prepared to address future flood events.  The Flood Annex attempts to provide information and guidance, not only to minimize the hardships experienced as a result of severe flooding, but also to identify proactive remediation measures, coordinate departments and resources, and public education.

ND State Water Commission

Strasburg Slough Hydrograph

Strasburg Water Level Data

Gage operation is seasonal, generally mid-May to mid-October.

Risk Assessment MapService:  online flood map data viewer

Flood

Emergency Management

Tips to Reduce Flooding
Check and test your sump pump according to manufacturer instructions.
Check your window wells.
Move snow away from buildings.
Maintain Gutters and Downspouts

  • Clean the gutters and drainage downspouts.
  • Direct flows from downspouts away from your foundation.

Assess Your Yard
     Water is a common cause of unstable slopes, mudslides and erosion. Check your property for       signs of earth movement, such as leaning trees, or cracks in the soil or sidewalks. If you have       a problem, contact an engineer to evaluate the situation.
Culverts: Monitor to ensure they are open and remove any debris.

House in a flood