Missouri River Flooding 2011
July 12th, 2011; Page 1
Scott had the privilege to take three gentlemen flying Tuesday evening. We inspected the 30 some miles of dikes and levees they constructed in late May and early June trying to save as much land as they could. Desoto Bend is the old river channel. It changed in 1952. There is a network of existing levees around Desoto to control the old riverbed. However, more work was needed to help prevent the flooding in the local area. So a coalition of farmers from Harrison & Pottawattamie counties joined together and worked to build levees from the Soldier River west of Modale to South of Desoto. They blew a hole in one of their own levees to keep water from closing Hwy 30 and reaching Missouri Valley and Modale. Thanks to all who are in or worked with this group. From what Scott could see from the air, this coalition has become a huge asset to these communities in Iowa. God bless.
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| Southwest of Mo Valley looking towards Desoto | Lots of crop loss thus far from ground water |
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| Nebraska side at top of picture | Somewhat safe farmplace |
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| Bertrand exhibit in center | Blair at top; Hwy 30 to right |
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| Bob Rand | Hwy 30 |
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| Partial dike system washed away | Building and grain bins in center are starting to
be swept away by current |
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| Half of levee in center is gone | Old river channel at center |
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| Part of an approximately 7 mile long levee | Levee that was purposely blown to help save other
land; note speed of current |
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| Another breach | Another breach |
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| Very fast current | Desoto looking south |
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| Mason Hansen Farm | Rand's again |
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| Tree line on right is a series of levees from '30s and '40s | Hansen farm again |
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| Note sand bars forming in fields | |
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| East side of Desoto; old levees next to river bed | Old riverbed |