OSLO, Minn. - The Minnesota National Guard recently organized an effort to break up ice dams on the Red river near Oslo, Minn., north of Grandforks.
Ice build-ups have been keeping water from flowing downstream and causing additional backup of flood waters. Much of the area is covered by a thick layer of frozen flood water.
The St. Paul-based 147th Assault Helicopter Battalion is currently stationed at the Fargo Air National Guard base with six UH60 Blackhawk helicopters and two CH47 Chinook helicopters from the 211th.
They are providing support to civilian authorities and survey crews to identify problem areas along the river and sling loading sandbags to reinforce weak areas in the dikes.
The recent mission to break up the ice buildups involved a CH47 Chinook helicopter using a large 4000-pound cement block to dissolve the ice jams.
The effort was organized to prevent additional flooding in the town of Oslo and surrounding area. The Chinook spent nearly 20 minutes raising and dropping the block onto the ice that was six to eight inches thick in places.
The 147th also flew representatives from FEMA to observe the effort in Oslo.
"Assisting those in our state and sister state on a state active duty mission is definitely one of the reasons I'm in the National Guard," said Maj. Kevin O'Brien. "To help those people in our local communities in a time of need."
About 500 Minnesota National Guard members, under the direction of the governor, are providing assistance to civil authorities in support of flood fighting efforts.