Morningside Flood Infrastructure Project

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This project has been completed and this project page will no longer be updated. Please contact staff with any questions or comments. Thank you.

The Morningside Neighborhood has several low and landlocked areas prone to flooding. Climate change has already increased the risk of flooding and will continue to do so. This project helps the community be more resilient to flooding. Project benefits are balanced across the neighborhood and there is no increase in risk to any property.

Ponds, pipes and a surface swale will be used to safely move and store floodwaters. An expanded pipe and swale will provide overflow from the Lynn/Kipling inundation area and the Grimes Avenue low point, and an expanded and reconfigured pipe network and minor grade changes will move water away from homes. Weber Pond and the Lynn/Kipling Pond will be expanded and lowered. About six acres of trees will be removed in Weber Woods to accommodate the larger ponds.

The flood infrastructure project also includes:

  • Natural resources restoration in upland areas.
  • Nature trails and bridge crossings at two locations at Weber Park.
  • Improved pedestrian access to the park with some ADA-compliant paths in Weber Park.
  • Rebuilt sports fields in impacted areas with new turf and irrigation systems.

The flood infrastructure project coincides with planned roadway reconstruction in the neighborhood in 2022 and 2023.

The Morningside Neighborhood has several low and landlocked areas prone to flooding. Climate change has already increased the risk of flooding and will continue to do so. This project helps the community be more resilient to flooding. Project benefits are balanced across the neighborhood and there is no increase in risk to any property.

Ponds, pipes and a surface swale will be used to safely move and store floodwaters. An expanded pipe and swale will provide overflow from the Lynn/Kipling inundation area and the Grimes Avenue low point, and an expanded and reconfigured pipe network and minor grade changes will move water away from homes. Weber Pond and the Lynn/Kipling Pond will be expanded and lowered. About six acres of trees will be removed in Weber Woods to accommodate the larger ponds.

The flood infrastructure project also includes:

  • Natural resources restoration in upland areas.
  • Nature trails and bridge crossings at two locations at Weber Park.
  • Improved pedestrian access to the park with some ADA-compliant paths in Weber Park.
  • Rebuilt sports fields in impacted areas with new turf and irrigation systems.

The flood infrastructure project coincides with planned roadway reconstruction in the neighborhood in 2022 and 2023.

This project has been completed and this project page will no longer be updated. Please contact staff with any questions or comments. Thank you.

  • January Update

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    If you missed the December meeting where we shared the refined concept design, you can watch a recording or review the presentation slides.

    What we're working on now:

    • Finalizing the technical engineering memo (January)
    • Presenting to the Energy & Environment Commission (January)
    • Presenting to the Planning Commission (January or February)
    • Finalizing the engagement report (February)
    • Drafting the staff recommendation to share with the City Council (now through March)

    If you have any concerns, comments, and/or ideas, we want to hear them!

  • Reminder - Virtual Meeting #3 starts tomorrow

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    Join us 5-6:30 p.m. on December 9th to hear about the new revised concept, ask questions, and give us your reaction. The livestream video link will be available under the 'Virtual Meetings' tab.

    A recording of the video and a copy of the presentation will be posted after the meeting.

  • Virtual Meeting #3 - December 9

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    The City will host a third virtual public meeting with residents from 5-6:30 p.m. on December 9th.

    We've come up with a new revised concept that maximizes the flood risk reduction benefit.

    Join us to learn more and tell us what you think.


  • Scenarios - Reactions and Ideas

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    Provide your reactions and ideas for the flood infrastructure scenarios under the Ideas tab. We'll use what we learn from you to come up with a single preferred option that we'll share with you at Virtual Meeting #3 on December 9th.

  • Reminder - Halloween Pop-up in Weber Park

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    Join us to review alternatives, share your opinions, and get answers to your questions.

    1-3 p.m. Saturday, October 31.

    Or, you can take the virtual tour here.

  • Overview of Infrastructure Scenarios Now Available

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    What is the problem?

    What options are being considered?

    • Download an overview of the scenarios we've explored. If you're looking for a deep-dive into the material, you can read the technical memo that the overview is based on.

    How do I participate?

    • Join us for a socially distanced Halloween pop-up in Weber Park from 1-3 p.m. to review the scenarios and talk with staff.
    • Share your reactions and ideas on the Ideas Tab.
    • Call or email a staff person.

  • VIDEO: Flood Risk in the Morningside Neighborhood - A Closer Look

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  • Halloween Pop-up in Weber Park

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    Join us to learn more about alternatives for reducing flood risk, share your opinions, and get answers to your questions. Oh, and candy.

    1-3 p.m. Saturday, October 31


  • Landlocked Basins

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    Landlocked basins do not have low level outlets; the only way for water to leave is through evaporation, infiltration, transpiration, and/or pumping. Because there is no outlet structure, landlocked basins are prone to high water levels during wet years and can hold water long after a storm ends.

    When making decisions about adding storm sewer outlets to these basins, we must consider downstream impacts and the trade-offs of transferring flood risk. We use 2-dimensional stormwater models to test infrastructure options so that we can understand how flood exposure changes, where the benefits accrue, and where and when options cause impacts.

    This map shows landlocked basins and areas that drain to landlocked basins in the neighborhood.

  • County Ditch 17

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    Before it was developed as a residential neighborhood in the mid-1900s, the Morningside neighborhood was largely a low-lying wet area, with a county ditch running right through it. The original plan for County Ditch 17 was part of the Minnesota History Museum collection from the bygone Hennepin County Soil and Water Conservation District. The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District is the current county ditch authority.

    Here's a photo of the original plan and a modern map with the former ditch location drawn in. This 1908 survey map with modern streets overlaid shows the location of historical wetlands throughout the City.