Battling the Red River: Oxbow, North Dakota's Innovative Flood Control Measures

A Scenic City Under Threat

Over the years, the City of Oxbow, North Dakota, has become renowned for its picturesque setting along the Red River of the North and its exceptional golf course. However, in recent times, Oxbow has made headlines on national television for a less desirable reason: flooding. The Red River Valley basin has experienced four major flood events in the past decade. This has prompted engineers, designers, and municipalities like Oxbow to seek innovative solutions for flood control.

The Challenge of Backflow

The City of Oxbow’s storm sewer system discharges directly into the Red River. During the spring melt, the rising river levels can cause water to back up into the storm sewer. This leads to flooding within the community. The existing storm sewer system comprises a variety of drainage products. This poses a challenge for engineers tasked with finding a solution to this issue.

Engineering a Solution

To address this challenge, design engineers at Moore Engineering in West Fargo, North Dakota, opted for aluminized T2 corrugated steel pipe. This material was chosen for its ability to effectively control the elevated floodwaters. It also prevents backflow into the city’s storm sewer system.

Multiple Outlets, Customized Structures

With numerous stormwater outlets situated along the river, the engineers at Moore Engineering designed a series of water control structures. Each structure consists of a corrugated steel pipe riser with inlet and outlet stubs. They incorporate a gate valve that can be opened and closed during high-water events. A non-rising stem extension is located at the gate wheel beneath a protective access hatch, allowing for easy operation.

Integration and City-Wide Protection

These water control structures were strategically placed within the existing storm conduit near the inlet structures. This approach allowed for seamless integration with the diverse range of conduits previously installed throughout the city. Furthermore, engineers designed clay dike systems to bolster the city’s defenses against future flood events.

A Comprehensive Flood Control Strategy

In total, 14 flood control structures were strategically positioned within either the existing storm sewer or new dike construction. This effectively safeguards the city’s perimeter. By employing these measures, the City of Oxbow can now regulate the backflow of river water into the active storm sewer system. They can also divert overland flood water originating from the Wild Rice and Sheyenne Rivers.

Confidence in the Face of Flooding

The gated structures have instilled confidence in Oxbow’s ability to combat the Red River’s floodwaters. Generators and pumps have been strategically positioned near these structures. They are accessible from the dry side of the river and dike system. This ensures the prompt evacuation of any seepage that may occur.

A Resilient Community

Having endured major spring flooding in 1997, 2009, and most recently in 2011, the City of Oxbow and its residents are relieved and satisfied with their flood mitigation efforts. While concerns remain about the community’s potential exclusion from a permanent Red River diversion project currently in the planning stages, for now, the City of Oxbow is secure.

Battling the Red River: Oxbow, North Dakota’s Innovative Flood Control Measures