N.D. adjutant general tells lawmakers flooding is 'epic'

BISMARCK -- Flooding in North Dakota this month "is literally epic in nature," the state's adjutant general told legislators Monday in a briefing.

Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk said the 2,400 National Guard forces put on active duty for the flooding in Fargo, Bismarck, Linton and elsewhere makes it the largest ever activated, even eclipsing those called up for the great Grand Forks flood in 1997 by 40 percent.

"You can be extremely proud of your National Guard," he said.

Several hundred are from out of state, including Wisconsin, Missouri, Minnesota and Montana, he said.

The general briefed legislators in an informal joint session Monday in the Senate chamber at their request.

Despite the remaining challenges, "There's no doubt in my mind we're going to be successful," Sprynczynatyk.

He said Gov. John Hoeven has directed him to do whatever is necessary in the ongoing efforts.

He told of the troops rescuing farm residents in the Flasher-Carson area with a Blackhawk helicopter after their farms were surrounded by water.

Guard troops were also employed at Linton in Emmons County last week when two creeks flooded 90 structures, affecting 75 families, he said, and closed U.S. Highway 83 for a few days.

"That community really took a hit as well," he said.

Sprynczynatyk said the Missouri River ice jam that caused flooding in Bismarck last week could not have been predicted. It was caused by record and sudden flows into the Missouri by the Knife River near Stanton and the Heart River at Mandan. Both poured monstrous chunks of ice into the river above and below Bismarck.

Near Fargo, National Guard troops rescued a man stuck in a tree last week, Sprynczynatyk said. The man had been in a boat that got away from him, the general said.

He noted that even in the midst of all positive developments due to volunteer efforts and government actions, there can be bad episodes.

"We caught someone stealing sandbags off a dike" in Fargo over the weekend, he said. "There's always the possibility of sabotage."

Sen. Larry Robinson, D-Valley City, asked about the flooding potential on the James and Sheyenne rivers.

"It's all dependent on the weather," the general said. A quick melt is their greatest fear and there could be serious problems he said.

"We are concerned about both," Sprynczynatyk said. "The far upper reaches of the Sheyenne and the far upper reaches of the James River is where we had the greatest snowfall in the winter months. ... That has not even really begun to melt. We are concerned about the people downstream of both rivers."

He said the National Guard is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on both rivers.

"We asked the corps to come in about two weeks ago to Jamestown to help in the Stutsman County area," he said. The raising of Bald Hill Dam on the Sheyenne River north of Valley City by five feet several years ago will be "tested" this spring, he said.

He noted that Lisbon has already had flooding from the Sheyenne, which has since subsided.

Legislators said they're grateful for the aid.

Sen. Judy Lee, R-West Fargo, said although all kinds of state and local officials and volunteers have put in impressive efforts during Cass County flooding," I just have to acknowledge the extraordinary part the National Guard has played, because the immediate response, the professional preparation, the spirit with which their work has been done has saved the day. We thank you."

Said Senate Majority leader Bob Stenehjem, "Take back to your men and your women the appreciation we have in the state for all their services. We really appreciate it.