Melting snow causes flooding at Minot launch facility Published April 30, 2009 By Laurie Arellano 91st Missile Wing Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNS) -- An intercontinental ballistic missile belonging to the 91st Missile Wing here will be removed for testing and analysis after water runoff from melting snow seeped into a launch facility and entered the launch tube April 12 here. The water was a result of record levels of snowfall this winter in the missile complex. The flooding poses no danger to the safety or security of the missile. The missile will now be sent to the maintenance depot at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The site was one of 150 Minuteman III launch facilities that had been under increased observation, with several of the launch facilities receiving preventative measures to handle greater than expected water runoff. Those measures included combinations of pumps, earthen berms and sandbags. Observation of one particular site during the runoff period showed water penetrated a protective earthen berm and entered the launch tube. The sump pump in the tube functioned properly and removed remaining water. However, initial testing of the lower stages of the missile by maintenance personnel from the 91st Missile Wing indicated water had been present. "We are taking the most conservative approach," said Col. Michael Spencer, the 91st Missile Wing vice commander. "The missile is scheduled for removal and testing to be certain there is no damage to any of the components." Colonel Spencer said water entering missile sites is not unprecedented, and removing the missile for testing and replacement is a prudent precautionary measure. Base civil engineers and maintenance personnel were dispatched more than 1,000 times during this winter and during the early melting season to protect the 150 launch facilities. The teams also documented the lessons from this winter and spring to prepare the sites, located in rural North Dakota, for possible repeat extreme weather conditions. They identified at least three dozen missile sites scattered throughout the missile complex that are situated in a manner that increases their susceptibility to runoff and draining problems and are making plans to improve the topography around those sites. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page