Photo: After a number of unusually wet years, a local pond has experienced dramatic growth.
As evidenced by high water in our backyards, ditches, ponds and lakes most of us already know this has been a very wet year. According to the experts at the Minnesota State Climatology Office, 2013-2018 has been the wettest six year period on record. The wet trend has continued throughout 2019. The MSP Airport weather station has reported the 8th wettest start to a year on record (January 1 to May 21, 2019). Notable, the 2010-2019 is nearing the historic designation as the wettest in the state’s recorded history.
The start of 2019 has presented a challenge to public agencies across the state. Continued above-average precipitation coupled with a substantial winter snow pack has led to elevated and sustained water levels throughout Vadnais Heights, and throughout most of the state of Minnesota.
Vadnais Heights Actions:
- Maintaining and monitoring emergency overflows to protect habitable structures from surface flooding.
- Monitoring of water level elevations throughout the City.
- Ongoing evaluation of long term investments to build more resiliency into our drainage systems.
Property Owner Tips:
- Do not place yard waste, lawn clippings, branches and other debris in ponds or ditches – even leaves can cause clogging of the system.
- If you have a sump pump, make sure that is well maintained and that water is discharged away from your home and not directly onto your neighbor’s property.
- Learn how water moves through your property and remove snow and other debris as necessary to prevent backups.
- If you notice high water, please call Public Works and we will make sure the drainage system is working as well as possible.
Flooding of a Home or Dwelling:
- First and foremost, make sure everyone is safe.
- If an urgent safety situation exists, please call 911.
- Then contact your Vadnais Heights to report the flooding.
Flood Insurance:
- Review your insurance coverage (typically there’s a delay before a flood insurance policy takes effect).
- Become educated about flood insurance.
- Find out if your policy covers sanitary sewer back-ups.
- Learn more about what you can do now to prevent future damage.