Flood Hazard Studies

A flood hazard report provides detailed information concerning the nature and extent of flood hazards in a community. The reports include a description of the flood hazards and detailed maps and drawings defining the local hazard areas. They serve as a technical tool to enable local residents and officials to carry out an effective flood plain management program to minimize the risk of flood damage.

The NRCS performs flood hazard studies under the authority of Section 6 of Public Law 83-566 through a joint coordination agreement with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR), entered into in March 1972. This joint coordination agreement is derived from authority granted to MN DNR by the 1969 legislature to coordinate federal, state, and local governmental units in their flood plain management activities.

Local officials desiring a flood hazard study of their community should contact the MN DNR Floodplain Management Unit (leaving NRCS). Priorities for study are based on need for the study, including degree of development pressure, and the communities’ willingness to contribute to the study.

The NRCS has published the following reports for Minnesota Communities.  Many of  the updates were conducted by other agencies or consultants.  For the most current updated information, please contact the MN DNR Floodplain Management Unit.

* City of Canby and Vicinity, Yellow Medicine County, February 1973.  Canby updated December 1982.

* Vermillion River-City of Vermillion, City of Farmington, Dakota County, December 1974.  City of Farmington updated September 1978, Dakota County updated July 1977.

* Elm and Rush Creeks-Cities of Champlin, Corcoran, Dayton, Maple Grove, Medina, and Plymouth, Hennepin County, September 1975.  Corcoran updated January 1981, Dayton updated August 1992, Maple Grove updated October 1977, Medina updated September 1980, and Plymouth updated February 1992. 

* North Fort Rush Creek-Cities of Maple Grove, Dayton and Corcoran, Township of Hassan, Hennepin County, December 1977.  Maple Grove updated October 1977, Dayton updated August 1992, Corcoran updated January 1981, and Hassen updated June 1993.

* Pioneer Creek, Spruzem Creek, and Lake Ribins Tributary-Cities of Minnetrista, Independence, and Medina, Hennepin County, January 1979.  Minnetrista updated September 1985, Independence updated September 1992, Medina updated September 1980.

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