East Grand Forks

"Invisible Floodwall"

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The city of East Grand Forks built an "Invisible Flood Control Wall" to protect the downtown area. The base of the floodwall will protect against flooding up to the 100-year flood level. If a higher flood is expected, the "Invisible Flood Control Wall" is assembled on the base, which will provide protection to a 60-foot river level.

The "Invisible Flood Control Wall" was developed in Germany, and was recently approved by the Army Corps of Engineers for use in the United States. East Grand Forks is the first U.S. city to install one.

These photos were taken at the floodwall demonstration on April 18, 1999, the second anniversary of the flood.

"Invisible Flood Control Wall" is a registered trademark of Flood Control America

The support columns for the "Invisible Floodwall" had been erected in advance because of the possibility of flooding earlier in April. Photo: Alan Draves Placing the horizontal planks in the vertical columns. During a flood, the planks will fill with water, making the wall stronger. Photo: Alan Draves Placing the horizontal planks on the floodwall. Photo: Alan Draves
Installing one of the diagonal supports behind the floodwall. These help suport the floodwall during a flood. Photo: Alan Draves One of the diagonal supports in place behind the floodwall. Photo: Alan Draves The Sorlie Bridge and Red River from the floodwall. Photo: Alan Draves

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This page maintained by Alan Draves.