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Mergenthal Drain Number 5

Mergenthal Drain Number 5 was built in 1904.

Length: 3.5 miles

History: This drain was cleaned out in 1978.

There was a plan considered many years ago to join this drain with Paulson Drain Number 7 to share an outlet to the Goose River. Outlet culverts were replaced in 2009. American Crystal Sugar reconstructed the outlet to outlet of Paulson Drain Number 7 and Mergenthal Drain Number 5 in 2009.

  • Surveyed in 2009 to determine a cleanout need.
  • Reconstructed and rerouted in 2014.

Mickelson Drain Number 13

This drain was built in 1909.

Length: 9.5 miles

History: A grade stabilization structure was built at the outlet in 1974. There have been numerous comments concerning the water and cattails above the drop structure. When the project was nearly completed, heavy rain filled this area before it could be backfilled. It was decided to omit the backfill and let the pond then be a siltation and wildlife basin. The adjacent fields drain into the ditch with no problem. This pond has been used to fill field sprayers, which isn't all bad, but some operators apparently have washed out some sprayers and killed the grass on top of the structure. A sign was placed there to discourage this practice.

Reconstruction was commenced in 2004 with 6 miles added in 2005. The work included a new drop structure. Some FEMA work was done in 2006.

  • In 2011 the road and berm were built up.

Moen Drain Number 27

This drain was built in 1919.

Length: 9.5 miles

History: In 1983-84 the steel piping drops were replaced with rip rap. This was a cooperative venture with the Traill County Highway Department.

There is a series of four rip-rap chutes from County Road 2 to the Red River. These chutes have had some problems, the first of which occurred some years back when the snow piled up on both sides of the drain, leaving a narrow place for the water to run. Quite a few rocks were displaced, especially on the west side at the upper end. These were replaced and then some washed out again in 1996 and 1997. The three upper drops were repaired in 1997. The rip-rap was removed. The soil was replaced first, and then about 4 to 6 inches of pit run gravel was spread. Then the engineering fabric was replaced. The rip-rap was replaced next. On top of the rip-rap, about 4 to 6 inches of pit run gravel was spread. It seemed that the rip-rap had never really become firmly settled in place. It appeared that the use of gravel above and below would supply some material between the rocks to more firmly hold them in place. It will be interesting to see if the rock stays in place better after this treatment.

The first mile west of County Road 2 often has grown up to cattails. It hasn't bothered lately; perhaps the water flows better. The new tenant also has been better at mowing than some others.

There is talk now (1997-98) of extending this drain farther west with some design changes as well.

There is a large pile of dirt on the south side of the upper drop. This was hauled there during construction. There was something like 70,000 cubic yards at the time. Many farmers and others have been hauling some of this away for fill of one kind or another. The material is some very tough heavy clay.

  • Cleaned in 2001 and 2002.
  • Diagonal cmp was added under County Road 4 in 2005.
  • FEMA repaired the rock chute at the east end in 2007.
  • Bridge replaced with cmp in Section 29 in 2008.
  • A reconstruction vote is expected in 2009/2010.
  • Reconstruction was completed in 2012 with the extensions of 2 miles to the west.
  • There is a lateral from the north on the west side of County Road 4.
  • Cleaned in 2013.
  • The drain was cleaned in 2001 and 2002. FEMA repaired a rock chute at the east end in 2007. The entire drain was reconstructed in 2010.

Morgan Drain Number 36

This drain was built in 1975.

Length: 8 miles

History: This drain has been working very well. A survey was made of the drain from the county road north to the upper end. Essentially the problem is field inlets that have made some deposits in the drain. The grade is very flat in this part so a small amount of dirt can hold back water a considerable distance.

Some work had been done on the outlet end some years back. The coulee this drain empties into had become clogged with silt and brush. This was cleared out for about a quarter-mile and has been quite satisfactory since then.

  • Cleaned in spots in 2003.
  • Outlet end needs work in Section 1 of Lindaas Township.
  • Cleaned in 2009.
  • Bottom end cleaned in 2010 and 2011.
  • Quite a lot of maintenance work including mowing, excavation, and culvert work has been performed over the years.

Munter Drain Number 6

This drain was built around 1906.

Length: 4.5 miles

History: It was reconstructed around 1961.

In 1988, two rock rip-rap chutes were constructed at the outlet into the Red River. A soil slide near the end of the rip-rap did some damage. This needs to be watched. It appeared to be OK in 1997 after the flood.

There have been several requests for a cleanout of this drain. Perhaps one reason is that the upper end has a flatter grade than the lower end. This makes it appear to have a high spot where the grade changes. The drain could no doubt benefit from a new design.

A bridge near the lower end has caused some consternation. It has been adequate for auto traffic but not for modern heavy farm equipment.

A dike was built from County Road 2 east toward the bridge and farmstead some years back, providing access for field equipment.

In 1997 the farmstead was devastated by the spring flood.

  • Reconstructed in 2003 to a five-year design, extending to County Road 4.
  • The outlet was surveyed in 2009 and awaits an engineer's opinion on how to fix the slides.
  • Outlet reshaped and rock chutes installed in 2011. There still appears to be a problem there and needs to be watched.

Murray Drain Number 17

This drain was built in 1913.

Length: 7.5 miles

History: This drain was reconstructed as part of the Elm River Watershed Project in 1960. It has worked quite well since that time.

There has been a need for work at the very upper end of the drain. In 1997 some work was done for Jon Bakkum at the site of the former Murray siding near the middle of the drain.

In 1988, about a mile of cleanout was done beyond the outlet in the coulee to the south.

Some work was done in 2000. Needs slopes pulled and further work is needed.

  • Surveyed in 2008 for a cleaning.
  • Meeting held in 2009. Patrons requested additional information. Petition to construct expected soon.
  • Quite a lot of maintenance has been performed on this drain throughout the years. A possible cleanout or reconstruction project will take place in 2017.