2011 Flood Timeline
May 11
First warning that the area could flood: "Bismarck-Mandan needs to be concerned and prepared for the possibility of flooding too because Garrison Dam is running out of storage, the river is full and we're in a weather pattern that, La Nina above normal precipitation below normal temperatures and if we continue down this path there's more runoff more water so the next couple of months are gonna be challenging times." (Todd Sando, State Water Engineer)
May 17
Water rises into Meriwether’s Parking Lot. (50,400 cfs)
May 24
CFS surpasses previous all time high (65,000/1975) 65,600 cfs.
June 1
Spillway gates open for first time ever. (28 gates)
June 2
CFS surpasses 100,000 at 105,000.
June 2
First day the river hit 16.0 ft (NWS flood stage in effect for 2011).
June 13
The river rose above 18.0 ft which is/was the definition of Moderate Flood stage.
June 18
CFS hits 150,000
June 22
Hogue Island home falls into Missouri River.
June 24
The river rose above 19.0 ft which meets the definition of Major Flooding.
June 26
CFS hits high point of flood 150,600
July 1
The river crested at 19.25 ft. You will sometimes run across a number of 19.23 ft used for that day, but it is a daily averaged value. The actual crest was 19.25 ft. Splitting of hairs in this example because they are so similar, but at other locations the difference can be significant.
July 1
Garrison Dam reaches highest level—1854.55+
July 13
The river fell back below 19 ft.
August 2
The river fell back below 18 ft--it kind of wobbled around 18.0 to 17.98 on Aug 1st, but after the 2nd it never again rose above 18.0 ft.
August 12
CFS falls below 100,000 to 96,900cfs.
August 13
The river fell back below 17 ft.
August 18
The river finally went below Minor Flood stage of 16 ft.
August 31
CFS is at 66,800 (still surpassing previous record).
