Recent heavy rainfall across Rochester caused localized flooding along creeks and low-lying areas. The city’s flood control system performed as intended by safely managing high water flows while protecting homes, businesses and critical infrastructure. 

Rochester’s flood control system was created in response to repeated flooding events, including a particularly damaging flood in 1978 that inundated parts of the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods. To prevent future disasters and protect the growing community, the City of Rochester partnered with Olmsted County, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the National Resource Conservation Service to develop a comprehensive flood control system. Construction began in the early 1980s and the project was substantially completed in the mid-1990s. The system was designed to handle a 200-year flood event. 

The network includes upstream reservoirs, floodwalls, levees, diversion channels and floodplains that work together to move and contain floodwaters during storms. During dry conditions, many of these areas double as green spaces, trails and corridors for active transportation. This dual-purpose design increases public access to nature while enhancing the city’s resilience. 

Following last week’s storm, water levels in the South Fork Zumbro River and its tributaries such as Bear Creek rose quickly and temporarily flooded sections of the city’s trail system. This flooding was expected as part of the system’s design and helped prevent water from reaching streets and buildings. 

“The beauty of Rochester’s flood control system is that it allows our community to enjoy trails, parks and open space during normal conditions and then safely channels stormwater during major rain events,” said Aaron Luckstein, Deputy Public Works Director. “Thanks to that planning our neighborhoods stay safe during extreme rainfall events.” 

Now that water levels are receding, Rochester Parks & Recreation crews are working this week to clear mud, debris and sediment from trails and surrounding park areas. 

The flood control system continues to provide co-benefits beyond flood protection, including increased access to biking and walking trails, green space and urban wildlife habitat.