Flooding

EMERGENCY RESPONSE & PREPAREDNESS

While Washington County Emergency Management coordinates community-level flood response activities, your city or township is your first call for help in coordinating disaster/emergency preparedness actions. Request sandbags from your city or township to protect buildings at risk of flooding. If they don’t have them available, contact a private company or check online for sand and bags.

What is BCWD doing?

  • Working with Local Government to regulate new & re-development to adhere to stormwater runoff standards
  • Anticipating water level increases –
    • Increase level monitoring during periods of high water
    • Localized groundwater measurements
  • Knowledge sharing –
    • Current state of the science in flood response planning
    • Linking residents with available guidance & informational resources
  • Important Links:
    • Washington County - Emergency Management
    • MN Department of Public Safety - General Flood Preparedness
    • MN Department of Natural Resource - Lake Finder (lake levels are updated monthly using BCWD data)
      • Enter your lake name or ID # to find out most recent lake elevation
      • The following 100 year high water levels are listed for assistance in determining your flood risk:
        • Bass Lake East 82012400 - 963.8 feet
        • Bass Lake West 82012300 - 957.0 feet
        • Benz Lake 82012000 - 956.51 feet
        • Brewers Pond 82002200 - 894.1 feet
        • Goggins Lake 82007700 - 974.5 feet
        • Heifort Pond 82048500 - 887.4 feet
        • July Ave Pond 82031800 - 980.66 feet
        • Kismet Basin 82033400 - 946.81 feet
        • Long Lake 82002100 - 894.93 feet
        • Lynch Lake 82004200 - 1008.65 feet
        • North School Section 82014900 - 974.5 feet
        • Pat Lake 82012500 - 948.61 feet
        • Plaisted Lake 82014800 - 974.5 feet
        • Sinnets Pond (former Jackson WMA Pond) 82030500 - 894.94 feet
        • South School Section 82015100 - 974.5 feet
    • National Flood Insurance Program - floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531
    • MnDNR Floodplain Management Group -Technical & Non-technical resources on mapping, insurance, flood preparation
    • Lake & Flood Elevations Online - Interactive map with FEMA & MN Department of Natural Resources flood related layers
    • FEMA Map Service Center - Official floodplain map, study, insurance
    • ASFPM Reduce Flood Risk - Flood facts & mitigation resources for all audiences

Flood Mitigation Strategies (Low Tech):

  • Runoff/Snow & Ice Management
    • Direct/store away from the structure where it will not cause erosion
    • Clean and maintain conveyances (gutters, ditches, culverts)
  • Landscape to Protect Structure
    • Hold/direct water away from structures
  • Sump Pump with Secondary Power Source
    • Consider a secondary portable pump for removing water more quickly
  • Exterior French Drain
    • Direct discharge away from structure
  • Apply Waterproof Sealants or Membranes
    • In addition to other mitigation strategies
  • Sandbag Barrier
    • Temporary & requires advance notice
    • Address internal drainage
  • Purchase Flood Insurance: Consider enrolling in FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to supplement your homeowner’s policy. A standard homeowner’s policy does not provide flood coverage and you only get disaster assistance if the President declares a disaster. Paying for flood insurance is less expensive than paying back a disaster loan. Talk to your insurance company or contact NFIP at floodsmart.gov or 1-888-379-9531.
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