On April 18 between 5 p.m. and 12 p.m. an intense rainstorm fell in the Lansing area resulting in extensive flooding. The Federal Disaster Assistance Administration estimated that 175 homes were damaged to at least half their value, 4,500 received some damage, with additional losses to schools, utilities, hospitals, and transportation systems. Early estimates indicated that damages may be as high as $20 million.
During the time of flooding the U.S. Geological Survey obtained aerial photography and streamflow data to document the disaster. This report shows on photomosaic base maps the extent of flooding in the Lansing area. Areas included are the lower reaches of the Red Cedar River and Sycamore Creek and the Grand River downstream from the confluence of the Red Cedar River. Little flooding occurred on the Grand River upstream from the Red Cedar so, although aerial photography was obtained for that reach, photomosaics were not prepared. Streamflow data collected at five gaging stations near Lansing are given. Information on the magnitude of the flood should be useful in making decisions regarding use of flood plains in the area. It is one of a series of reports on the April 1975 flood in the Lansing metropolitan area.
