Breckenridge residents wait for river to climb

This bridge on Main Street in Breckenridge is now closed. People are being forced to take a detour because of water rushing over the other side. Another bridge connecting to Wahpeton could also be in danger of closing. It may need a clay levee to hold back rising water.

“Sit and wait more or less.”

Denise Stevenson lives just feet from the mighty Red River. She's watching crews build levees near her house.

“Make sure they not what they're doing.”

This is Stevenson's fourth flood in 12 years. Her first here, her basement flooded.

“But in '97, it didn't come from the Red River, it came from this way.”

The same threat now scares Stevenson, again.

“Especially when I look out and see that river right there.”

Since last year, the city of Breckenridge built a permanent dike behind her home. It was supposed to finish work to the north this spring.

“Well it's here.

“Unless something happens that would bounce it up past 18 feet, I see no problems of concern.”

The city is taking a more conservative approach. It's using miles more clay, three feet high, and no sandbags.

“You tear up property. You cause a lot of problems and it's a lot of work.”

Work wrapped up on the temporary protection to 19 feet tonight. Homeowners like Stevenson can only watch and wait as they put their trust in the leaders who fought many floods before.

“Hopefully we'll be saved again.”

Leaders believe there will be an extended or double crest. They plan to monitor the Red for at least two weeks before giving the all clear. More definite flood fighting plans will be released tomorrow.

Tags: reporter stories, travis skonseng, flood, breckenridge, minnesota, home, stevenson, news