Will dikes be ‘normal’ along the Souris?

As crews continue the considerable task of removing massive temporary dikes throughout Minot, we can’t help but wonder: Will the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers be back in Minot building emergency dikes again in a few months?

No one would be disappointed if we did not need the gigantic structures again next spring. In fact, residents of this flooded city would welcome the sight of watching the Souris River run through town in a much more normal fashion next spring, preferably with the river staying within its normal banks.

But we certainly can’t count on that happening. Another winter, even one with average amounts of snow, and average spring rains and snow melts could lead to some flooding problems next year. There is much work and planning to be done in order for Burlington, Minot and other flooded areas to be fully prepared for next spring.

While it’s a welcome sight as the areas around the Souris River return to a more normal look with the removal of the dikes, we wonder how long it will be before crews operating heavy machinery return to build the 2012 versions of emergency dikes. Sadly, such structures, in some form, are likely to become part of the new “normal” along the Souris River.

Tags: opinion, editorials, dikes, floods