Accumulating snowfall across the Upper Midwest and Northern Plains was extensive during the 2009/2010 winter with snowfall water equivalent amounts across the Minnesota River Valley as high as six inches. Across the Mississippi River Valley and the Crow, snowfall water equivalent amounts were between three and five inches.
The winter had very little melting on the snow cover and therefore, once temperatures in March started to rise and melt the snow cover, there was nearly three to six inches of liquid water ready to be release onto the surface.
The second week of March began with temperatures rising into the 40s and 50s.
A Flood Watch was issued as early as March 10th on the South Fork Crow River affecting Mayer in Carver County.
The first river flood warnings were issued on March 11th for the Minnesota River at Montevideo, Henderson, and Savage. Also, the Crow River at Rockford, and the South Fork Crow River below Mayer, and at Delano. On the 12th, other river flood warnings were issued along the Minnesota River, and the Cottonwood River at New Ulm.
The first flood warning for an ice jam was issued on the 12th for portions of Scott County on the Sand Creek. Other ice jams developed in Scott County on the 13th along the Credit River in Savage. Numerous ice james developed between the 13th and 18th when the rivers started to break up across southern and central Minnesota.
After the 15th, most of the headwaters of the Crow, Cottonwood, Sauk, Redwood and the Long Prairie rose sharply with all of the river forecast points rising above flood stage between the 15th and 21st. Once the ice jams broke up, and most of the headwater sites crested, there were several days where the Cottonwood, South Crow, Crow, and many points along the Minnesota, and Mississippi Rivers rose and held near, or above major flood stage. Most of the rivers crested between the 22nd and the 28th, with a slow fall through the end of the month.
Most of the areal flooding outside of the mainstem rivers occurred before the 22nd, but near the rivers, flooding continued through the 26th. Some of the very low areas along the Minnesota, Mississippi and Crow Rivers had county roads that remained closed through the last week of March.
Damage from the flood waters was mainly confined to ice jam debris, and washed out county roads due to the fast flow and eroding the ground soil underneath the asphalt.

Flood in SCOTT, MINNESOTA
From 20-MAR-10 02:00:00 to 26-MAR-10 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHAKOPEE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 400.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

The Highway 101 bridge from Shakopee to Chanhassen was closed due to flood waters along the Minnesota River.  Monetary costs were based on FEMA, State, and Local assistance which includes the following categories; emergency protective measures, road systems and bridges, utilities, and parks.

Flood in YELLOW MEDICINE, MINNESOTA
From 16-MAR-10 12:00:00 to 26-MAR-10 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ECHO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 420.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

In Granite Falls, 466th Street was closed at 889th Street due to flood waters of the Minnesota River. In addition, the county roads southeast of Granite Falls, on 620th Street, from 180th to 190th Ave were flooded.
Monetary costs were based on FEMA, State, and Local assistance which includes the following categories; debris removal, emergency protective measures, road systems and bridges, water control facilities, and parks.

Flood in LAC QUI PARLE, MINNESOTA
From 17-MAR-10 08:00:00 to 22-MAR-10 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: BOYD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 515.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several county roads became inundated due to flood waters along the Minnesota River.
Monetary costs were based on FEMA, State, and Local assistance which includes the following categories; debris removal, emergency protective measures, road systems and bridges, water control facilities, and utilities.

Flood in BROWN, MINNESOTA
From 17-MAR-10 14:00:00 to 22-MAR-10 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEW ULM
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 160.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Numerous county roads around New Ulm were closed due to flooding. Monetary costs were based on FEMA, State, and Local assistance which includes the following categories; emergency protective measures and road systems and bridges.

Flood in RENVILLE, MINNESOTA
From 17-MAR-10 16:00:00 to 26-MAR-10 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: BECHYN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 335.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

County Road 21, near the Minnesota River was closed due to flooding. There was also an ice jam east of this area where several county roads closed. Monetary costs were based on FEMA, State, and Local assistance which includes the following categories; debris removal, emergency protective measures, road systems and bridges, and water control facilities.

Flood in SIBLEY, MINNESOTA
From 17-MAR-10 16:00:00 to 26-MAR-10 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: HENDERSON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 60.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Highway 93 was closed from Highway 169 to Henderson, due to flood waters of the Minnesota River. Monetary costs were based on FEMA, State, and Local assistance which includes the following categories; debris removal, emergency protective measures, and road systems and bridges.

Flood in CARVER, MINNESOTA
From 18-MAR-10 12:30:00 to 26-MAR-10 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: EAST UNION
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 240.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Flood waters along the Minnesota River near Jordan, closed the bridge on Old County Road 45, or County Road 9.  Monetary costs were based on FEMA, State, and Local assistance which includes the following categories; debris removal, emergency protective measures, road systems and bridges, water control facilities, and parks.

Flood in WATONWAN, MINNESOTA
From 16-MAR-10 15:30:00 to 22-MAR-10 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ST JAMES
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Highway 4, north of St. James, was closed due to flooding.

Flood in FREEBORN, MINNESOTA
From 15-MAR-10 08:00:00 to 16-MAR-10 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ALBERT LEA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

County Road 101 was closed between Highway 13 and West Edgewater Drive due to flooding. In addition, East Main Street was closed at Garfield due to water over the road.

Flood in FREEBORN, MINNESOTA
From 15-MAR-10 08:00:00 to 16-MAR-10 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MOSCOW
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Flood waters caused 865th Avenue, south of County Road 25 to washed out.

Flood in FREEBORN, MINNESOTA
From 15-MAR-10 08:00:00 to 16-MAR-10 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MAPLE IS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

County Road 30, north of Highway 251 was closed due to flood waters.

Flood in BLUE EARTH, MINNESOTA
From 15-MAR-10 10:00:00 to 22-MAR-10 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MINNESOTA LAKE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

County Road 157, near Minnesota Lake, was closed due to flooding.

Flood in WASECA, MINNESOTA
From 15-MAR-10 10:00:00 to 20-MAR-10 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MATAWAN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Flood waters were reported over 210th Avenue and 35th Avenue, near Matawan.

Flood in WASECA, MINNESOTA
From 15-MAR-10 10:00:00 to 20-MAR-10 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: WILTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Flood waters caused 128th Street, near Wilton to close.

Flood in BLUE EARTH, MINNESOTA
From 15-MAR-10 10:00:00 to 22-MAR-10 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MAPLETON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

County Roads 7, and 191 near Mapleton were closed due to flooding.

Flood in WASECA, MINNESOTA
From 15-MAR-10 10:00:00 to 20-MAR-10 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: WALDORF
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Flood waters caused 240th Avenue, near Waldorf to close.

Flood in WASECA, MINNESOTA
From 15-MAR-10 10:00:00 to 20-MAR-10 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEW RICHLAND
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Flood waters caused 160th Street, near New Richland to close.

Flood in WASECA, MINNESOTA
From 15-MAR-10 10:00:00 to 18-MAR-10 10:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: JANESVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

County Road 53, near Janesville was closed due to flood waters.

Flood in BLUE EARTH, MINNESOTA
From 15-MAR-10 10:00:00 to 22-MAR-10 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MINNESOTA LAKE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

County Road 159 was closed due to flood waters.

Flood in BLUE EARTH, MINNESOTA
From 15-MAR-10 10:00:00 to 22-MAR-10 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: PEMBERTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

County Road 21 was closed due to flooding.

Flood in BLUE EARTH, MINNESOTA
From 15-MAR-10 10:00:00 to 22-MAR-10 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: BEAUFORD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

County Road 167 was closed due to flooding.

Flood in CHIPPEWA, MINNESOTA
From 17-MAR-10 12:00:00 to 26-MAR-10 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: WATSON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 345.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Numerous counties roads were flooded from snow melt and associated runoff along several tributaries of the Minnesota River, and the Minnesota River in Chippewa County.  Monetary costs were based on FEMA, State, and Local assistance which includes the following categories; debris removal, emergency protective measures, road systems and bridges, water control facilities, utilities and parks.

Flood in STEVENS, MINNESOTA
From 17-MAR-10 12:00:00 to 26-MAR-10 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ALBERTA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 40.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Numerous counties roads were flooded from snow melt and associated runoff along several tributaries of the Minnesota River, in Stevens County.  Monetary costs were based on FEMA, State, and Local assistance which includes the following categories; debris removal, emergency protective measures, and road systems and bridges.

Flood in REDWOOD, MINNESOTA
From 19-MAR-10 12:00:00 to 26-MAR-10 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: VESTA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 255.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Numerous counties roads were flooded from snow melt and associated runoff along several tributaries of the Minnesota River, and the Redwood River in Redwood County.  Monetary costs were based on FEMA, State, and Local assistance which includes the following categories; emergency protective measures, and road systems and bridges.

Flood in RAMSEY, MINNESOTA
From 20-MAR-10 00:00:00 to 26-MAR-10 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ST PAUL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 2.40M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Several communities along the Mississippi River from Mendota Bridge to Hastings had flooding problems related to the flood crest on the Mississippi River in Ramsey County. Monetary costs were based on FEMA, State, and Local assistance which includes the following categories; debris removal, emergency protective measures, road systems and bridges, buildings, utilities and parks.

Flood in FARIBAULT, MINNESOTA
From 17-MAR-10 14:30:00 to 22-MAR-10 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: WINNEBAGO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

County Road 14, west of Highway 169 was closed due to flooding.

Flood in MORRISON, MINNESOTA
From 17-MAR-10 14:35:00 to 18-MAR-10 08:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: LITTLE FALLS
Flood cause: Ice Jam
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Highway 10 bridge was closed due to an ice jam.

Flood in SWIFT, MINNESOTA
From 17-MAR-10 16:00:00 to 22-MAR-10 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: APPLETON ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Highway 12 near Appleton, was closed due to flooding.

Flood in LE SUEUR, MINNESOTA
From 17-MAR-10 16:00:00 to 22-MAR-10 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: OTTAWA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

County Road 147, and West Junction, to County Road 102 was closed due to flooding.

Flood in FREEBORN, MINNESOTA
From 17-MAR-10 16:00:00 to 18-MAR-10 16:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: GLENVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

U.S. Highway 65 southbound was closed due to flood waters between Minnesota 13, and County Road 91.

Flood in BENTON, MINNESOTA
From 19-MAR-10 14:00:00 to 21-MAR-10 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: WATAB
Flood cause: Ice Jam
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Park/Forest Service

Approximately 20 structures, mainly cabins, flooded near Little Rock Lake due to back water problems from an ice jam on the Mississippi River.

Flood in SCOTT, MINNESOTA
From 19-MAR-10 16:00:00 to 26-MAR-10 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHAKOPEE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

The Minnesota River flooded the parking lot at the Valley Fair Amusement Park near Shakopee.

Flood in MCLEOD, MINNESOTA
From 15-MAR-10 08:00:00 to 19-MAR-10 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: BROWNTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 190.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

An ice jam along the Buffalo Creek in Mcleod County caused flooding on Division Street in Brownton. In addition, county officials reported 16 partially blocked county roads throughout Mcleod County due to flooding along Buffalo Creek. At least one home had basement flooding due to flood waters. By the 18th of March, the flood waters from the Buffalo Creek reached Glencoe which flooded 100th Street.

Flood in FARIBAULT, MINNESOTA
From 16-MAR-10 15:30:00 to 17-MAR-10 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: WINNEBAGO
Flood cause: Ice Jam
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

County Road 14, west of Highway 169, was closed due to an ice jam.

Flood in FARIBAULT, MINNESOTA
From 15-MAR-10 14:00:00 to 16-MAR-10 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: BLUE EARTH
Flood cause: Ice Jam
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several roads along Coon Creek were flooded due to an ice jam.

Flood in WATONWAN, MINNESOTA
From 17-MAR-10 14:30:00 to 22-MAR-10 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ODIN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

County Road 5, south of Butterfield was closed due to flooding.

Flood in BROWN, MINNESOTA
From 16-MAR-10 15:30:00 to 22-MAR-10 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: SPRINGFIELD ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A local park was flooded along the Cottonwood River.

Flood in SIBLEY, MINNESOTA
From 16-MAR-10 15:30:00 to 22-MAR-10 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: HENDERSON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Highway 93 was closed due to flooding along the Rush River.

Flood in CARVER, MINNESOTA
From 16-MAR-10 16:00:00 to 22-MAR-10 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: WATERTOWN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Mill Avenue at the 400 Block in Watertown was closed due to flooding. In addition, County Road 122 between County Road 123 and Highway 7 was closed due to flooding.

Flood in CARVER, MINNESOTA
From 16-MAR-10 16:00:00 to 22-MAR-10 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEW GERMANY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Numerous county roads near New Germany, which included; County Road 30 between 33 and the Wright County Line, Yancy Avenue between 78th Street and County Road 30, 82nd Street between County Road 32 and Union Avenue, 62nd Street west of County Road 33 and Vega Avenue, and at 86th and 94th Streets were flooded due to the water flowing out its banks from the South Crow River.

Flood in NICOLLET, MINNESOTA
From 17-MAR-10 14:00:00 to 22-MAR-10 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MANKATO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

County Road 71, outside of Mankato, was closed due to flooding.

Flood in SCOTT, MINNESOTA
From 17-MAR-10 14:00:00 to 22-MAR-10 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ST PATRICK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Cedar Lake Township Road was closed due to a local creek that flooded. Also, the flood waters affected Newport Avenue between 230th and 240th Streets.

Flood in CARVER, MINNESOTA
From 17-MAR-10 14:00:00 to 22-MAR-10 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEW GERMANY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Numerous county roads were closed near the South Crow River due to flooding.

Flood in LE SUEUR, MINNESOTA
From 17-MAR-10 14:30:00 to 22-MAR-10 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: LE CENTER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

County Road 113 near Le Center was closed due to flooding.

Flash Flood in MORRISON, MINNESOTA
From 16-MAR-10 14:30:00 to 16-MAR-10 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MOTLEY MOREY FLD ARP
Flood cause: Ice Jam
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

An ice jam caused rapidly rising water along the Crow Wing River near Motley. One person and her three dogs were rescued from a residence along Azalea Road due to this ice jam.

Flood in WATONWAN, MINNESOTA
From 15-MAR-10 10:00:00 to 22-MAR-10 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: LEWISVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

County Road 136, at Beckers Bridge was closed due to flooding.

Flood in WATONWAN, MINNESOTA
From 15-MAR-10 14:00:00 to 22-MAR-10 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: SVEADAHL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

County Road 116, and several neighboring township roads were closed due to flooding.

Flood in BROWN, MINNESOTA
From 15-MAR-10 14:00:00 to 22-MAR-10 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: EVAN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

County Road 7 was closed due to flooding.

Flood in MARTIN, MINNESOTA
From 15-MAR-10 14:00:00 to 22-MAR-10 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: CEYLON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

County Road 119 was closed due to flooding.

Flood in MARTIN, MINNESOTA
From 15-MAR-10 14:00:00 to 22-MAR-10 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: TRUMAN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

County Road 54, near Perch Creek was closed due to flooding.

Flood in BLUE EARTH, MINNESOTA
From 17-MAR-10 14:30:00 to 22-MAR-10 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: PEMBERTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 400.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Numerous roads were flooded between Minnesota 22, and Minnesota 83, plus County Road 14 near Highway 30.  Monetary costs were based on FEMA, State, and Local assistance which includes the following categories; debris removal, emergency protective measures, road systems and bridges, water control facilities, utilities and parks.