‘Turn around, don’t drown’

News | April 6th, 2019

Ice jam against 12th Avenue Bridge crossing into Moorhead, MN - photograph by C.S. Hagen

FARGO – Ice jams along the Red River are slowing snow runoff, keeping Fargo and other areas in North Dakota on the list for possible flooding. At 8:15 Saturday morning, the Red River rose another three feet since Friday cresting at 33.1 feet.

Major flood stage is 30 feet, the National Weather Service reported.

“Still expecting Red River at Fargo to crest at 35 feet around early Monday,” the National Weather Service reported. “The presence of ice in area river channels is slowing down the rate at which flows are being routed downstream.”

City of Fargo employees work to buffer steel wall over First Avenue North as the Red River creeps closer - photograph by C.S. Hagen

Wahpeton on the Red River, Abercrombie on the Wild Rice River, Kindred on the Sheyenne River, Enderlin on the Maple River, Hillsboro on the Goose River, areas in West Fargo, Harwood, Mapleton, Lamoure, Dickey, Logan, McIntosh, Emmons, and Stutsman counties are also in danger of flooding, according to the National Weather Service.

“Turn around, don’t drown,” the National Weather Service said. “Persons in the warned area need to take steps to protect life and property. If necessary, move to a higher location. Persons living in the Red River Basin should monitor river levels while the river is in, or near, flood.”

Authorities also warn about trying to cross flooded roads or coming too close to river banks as the current may be swift and the river banks may be eroding.

Last week, ice jams resulted in flooding of Highway 24 in Sioux County, the North Dakota Department of Transportation reported. Natives living in near the highway had to take emergency measures to protect valuables and worked an entire night sandbagging before the waters receded.

Flooding occurred in Sioux County, Solen, ND, along Highway 24 where an ice jam flooded the road - Facebook Margaret Gates

The City of Fargo is taking the National Weather Service’s predictions seriously, and all levees, lift stations, and temporary pumps will be staffed throughout the weekend. Fargo residents are urged to call the flood hotline (701) 476-4199 with any concerns including excessive water pooling on public streets or visible damage to levees or flood walls. The hotline is not meant for emergencies; all emergencies should dial 911.

Jack William Stadium under water - photograph by C.S. Hagen

Steel walls have been erected throughout the city including streets such as First Avenue North. The former told bridge on 12th Avenue leading to Moorhead and Jack William Stadium is completely submerged in water, ice, trees, and debris.

The Red River Basin is unique as waters flows north into Canada and because weather conditions farther north may not be as warm, the possibility for flooding downstream multiplies exponentially, the National Weather Service reported.

So far this spring Mother Nature has been freezing snow melt every night, which has slowed rapid runoff, but with snow remaining and temperatures expected to rise, authorities are keeping a careful eye on the Red River of the North.

12th Avenue bridge and Jack Williams Stadium are under water - photograph by C.S. Hagen

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