Millions in losses to forests and local area. Many things happened to cause the Great Flood of 1997, some small factors, others large ones. The sum of these factors and the two cities being caught off guard by the size of the flood resulted in this devastation. Time prior to April City receives eight blizzards and abnormal amounts of snow and precipitation in the Valley. An ice storm knocks out power across the city and delays the beginning of flood efforts.
Prediction is risen daily as the river starts to enlarge.
Hundreds of volunteer rush to dikes to fortify for levels beyond the 50 ft. dike limits. Students are dismissed or released to help flood fighting efforts, as slowly residents fear the worst as rumors fly around about crests in the middle 50's. Friday, April 18 Dikes begin to breach and crack as workers begin to lose the fight. Mandatory evacuations are given by Mayor Pat Owens for the Central Park, Lincoln, and Riverside areas, all locations surrounded by the failing dikes. Some residents are prepared and leave with an ounce of comfort, but most are caught off guard.