Case Study

Transforming Flood Protection in Fargo, North Dakota

For years, Fargo, North Dakota, relied on labor-intensive volunteer sandbagging efforts to combat annual flooding from the Red River. Thousands of volunteers filled sandbags inside the Fargodome each spring, a costly and physically demanding process requiring extensive cleanup. In 2011, Fargo officials sought a more efficient flood protection solution and turned to TrapBag®, making it the company’s first significant sale. The results revolutionized the city’s flood response strategy, significantly reducing costs, labor, and injury risks.

Project Specifications

  • Product: 4-foot TrapBag barriers strategically placed in flood-prone areas.
  • Material: UV-resistant geotextile material for longevity.
  • Fill material: Locally sourced sand.

Initial Solution


Fargo deployed TrapBag barriers along critical flood-prone areas to create a more reliable and cost-effective flood defense system. Key advantages included:

  • Rapid Installation: TrapBags were quickly placed and filled, requiring fewer volunteers compared to traditional sandbags.
  • Cost Savings: The total expense of implementing TrapBag barriers was lower than the city’s annual Fargodome cleanup bill.
  • Increased Safety: By reducing volunteer numbers, the city minimized the risk of injuries associated with manual sandbagging efforts.
  • Enhanced Protection: TrapBags effectively held back rising floodwaters, mitigating damage to infrastructure and residential areas.

Unintended Longevity

This solution was originally considered a temporary flood control measure, however, TrapBag barriers have remained a core element of Fargo’s flood prevention strategy for over a decade. Their unexpected durability has allowed the city to repeatedly rely on them for seasonal flood protection, significantly reducing the need for traditional sandbagging efforts. Over the years, TrapBag’s performance in Fargo has influenced flood mitigation strategies in neighboring communities, leading to wider regional adoption.


Project Expansions and Continued Use

Following the success of the initial deployment, nearby cities and counties, including Cass County, ND, Moorhead, MN, and Sioux Falls, SD, also adopted TrapBag for their flood protection efforts. In subsequent years, Fargo continued to integrate additional TrapBag systems into its flood response strategy, further reducing reliance on manual sandbagging and improving overall preparedness.

Performance and Community Impact


TrapBag barriers have consistently demonstrated:

  • Durability: Withstanding recurrent seasonal floods and preventing infrastructure damage.
  • Volunteer Relief: Reducing the need for large-scale sandbagging efforts, alleviating physical strain on community members.
  • Economic Benefits: Lowering both immediate response costs and long-term flood mitigation expenses.

Key Outcomes

  1. Immediate Impact: Stabilized flood-prone areas and protected critical infrastructure.
  2. Cost Efficiency: Reduced financial burden compared to traditional sandbagging and cleanup operations.
  3. Scalability: Modular design allowed for easy expansion and upgrades over time.
  4. Regional Influence: Inspired other municipalities to adopt TrapBag® for flood mitigation.

Conclusion

Fargo’s adoption of TrapBag in 2011 marked a pivotal shift in flood protection strategy, streamlining response efforts while significantly reducing costs and labor demands. More than a decade later, TrapBag remains a key component of the city’s flood defense system, inspiring broader regional adoption. This project highlights the power of innovation in disaster preparedness and emphasizes the long-term value of adaptable, cost-effective flood mitigation solutions.

Additional Resources & References

TrapBags in action in Fargo, North Dakota:

News Coverage from NBC North Dakota:

Installation Highlights

  • 4ft TrapBag® barriers strategically placed in flood-prone areas.
  • UV-resistant geotextile material for longevity.
  • Locally sourced sand.