OVERFLOW OF RED RIVER OF THE NORTH. 85 



when cleared of obstructions as recommended. Overflow of the 

 Wild Rice and Sheyenne channels, below the points where the flood- 

 way joins them, would also be eliminated. Overflow of these chan- 

 nels above the floodway can be eliminated by proper channel improve- 

 ments carried out under local authority in conjunction with the Red 

 River project. 



The capacity of the Red River channel below the mouth of the 

 Sheyenne River would be increased to such an extent that only the 

 greatest floods of rare occurrence would cause overflow, and in these 

 the river-stages would be lowered 5 feet below the elevation they 

 reach during similar floods under present conditions. Owing to this 

 lowering of the river-stages and the greater rapidity with which the 

 flood volumes would be disposed of, the extent, depth, and duration 

 of inundation would be greatly reduced. The resulting damage 

 would thus be reduced and the quick return to normal conditions 

 would prevent serious delay to farming operations. 



In short, if these improvements were properly effected and main- 

 tained all flooding along the Red River would be eliminated except 

 for slight overflow below the mouth of the Sheyenne River on rare 

 occasions under the most extreme conditions, and such overflow as 

 may occur there would not cause serious damage. 



In order that these results shall extend entirely to the Canadian 

 boundary it will be necessary that the channel improvements be 

 carried some 30 miles beyond the boundary. Otherwise, the sudden 

 change from the open, unobstructed state of the channel to the 

 choked condition which now obtains below the line, would cause the 

 flooding of territory near the boundary both in the United States 

 and in Canada. Some arrangement should be made with the Do- 

 minion of Canada whereby the channel improvement may be con- 

 tinued far enough to prevent such an occurrence. 



ESTIMATES OF COST. 



The estimated cost of the improvements along the Red River be- 

 tween Wahpeton, N. Dak., and the Canadian boundary follows: 



Flood way (including concrete inlet) $355,000 



Improvement of Sheyenne River channel below the flood way 95, 000 



Improvement of Red River channel from Wahpeton to the Canadian 

 boundary 3, 300, 000 



Total in United States 3, 750, 000 



Additional for work in Canada 250,000 



Total 4, 000, 000 



These estimates were prepared during 1920 and it is probable 

 that by the time the organization is completed the costs of making 

 the improvements will be somewhat less. 



