Other Historic Dates Along the Red River

WHY THE RED RIVER FLOWS NORTH
Like the flow of the Red River, much of the recent history of the Valley faces north. The Valley has changed much, but appears unchanging. Like the geology, it is best seen from the sky. The tallgrass prairie and buffalo are gone, replaced by a patchwork of fields. Learn more about the beginnings of the Red River Valley

The prehistoric heritage of the Red is responsible for the north flowing river. The headwaters of the Red lie within the bed of the huge Glacial Lake Agassiz. As the glacier melted, its weight is believed to have caused the land to tilt from south to north, causing the melting waters to flow northward. When the lake receded it left behind the sinuous Red River and the fertile soil that makes the Red River Valley one of the richest farming areas in the world.

What is now the Red River Valley was 200 feet below the surface of Lake Agassiz, the largest glacial lake in America.

WHO DECIDES ?
Forecasts and responsibilities of the 1997 Red River Flood

Garrison Diversion Project
In 1944, Congress authorized the Flood Control Act, later named the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program (PSMBP). The primary purpose of the PSMBP was for flood control, navigation, irrigation, and hydropower, which would be facilitated by the construction of the main stem dams on the Missouri River. The Garrison Diversion Project was developed from that program.
Today, Garrison Diversion has taken the project one step further. The Dakota Water Resources Act calls for $200 million of federal appropriations to provide reliable, high-quality water to areas in eastern North Dakota.
The study, which began in 2000 with a Memorandum of Understanding signed among the North Dakota State Water Commission, the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District and the USBR, will look at possible alternatives to meet the Red River Valley's need for water.
Also included in the Dakota Water Resources Act are appropriations for a $200 million increase in the Municipal, Industrial and Rural fund, and $200 million to meet the Native American Indian water needs. All of the future Garrison Diversion facilities and programs would meet the requirements from previous legislation and would deliver and meet the demands and needs of the state for a high-quality, reliable source of water.
Learn more about the water policies of the neighboring states of Minnesota and Missouri and the province of Manitoba relating to Garrison and a Devils Lake outlet.