Defending Granite Falls Against Floods

Granite Falls, Minnesota is proposing to use collapsible geotextile cells as part of a flood defense scheme. The 2 to 2.5-foot-high, earthen flood wall (levee) base would be constructed in the property backyards that still allow views and access to the river. The levee would have a six-foot-wide grass-covered top that is orientated as close to the river bank as possible. Additional riprap would be used on the slope facing the river to shore up the river bank and prevent erosion. The six feet of space atop the levee is to allow for temporary flood barriers that would be put into place at the time of significant flood events.