Midwest Flooding

The Red River at Fargo-Moorhead crested on April 9 at 38.75 feet above flood stage, the third highest peak in 110 years. Oslo crested at 38.05 ft on April 14 and East Grand Forks is forecast to crest at 50 feet on April 15. Late season accumulating snowfall is likely between April 14 and April 16, total snowfall could be in the 1 to 3 inch range. The stage at Fargo is expected to remain in the major flood category for an additional 2-3 weeks. Numerous county and state roads are closed throughout the Red River Basin. Indications that overland flooding is easing somewhat include a 30-mile stretch of Interstate 29, which had been closed due to flooding since April 10, has reopened for the most part. Presidential Disaster Declarations have been issued for Barnes, Cass, Richland, Traill, Grand Forks, Walsh, Pembina, and Ward Counties in North Dakota. High flows continue in the upper Sheyenne River basin and the hospital in Valley City has been evacuated as a precautionary measure, in case of a levee failure in Valley City. Flows are expected to be at the near record high stages for 7-10 days. In Central and Northwest North Dakota, flows in the upper James River basin are decreasing rapidly. The severity of the flooding Souris River basin continues to increase as the remaining snow pack has melted. Water levels in the Des Lacs River have receded two to three feet from yesterday. The Burlington Dam #1 northwest of Minot is weak but is still holding. more