Red River spring flood risk climbs

Recent snow systems have increased the chances for spring flooding in the Red River Valley.

One month ago the River Forecast Center issued a flood statement suggesting the risk for significant flooding was low – and running below long-term historical averages. The outlook from the National Weather Service today (Thursday) now calls moderate or higher spring flooding at or above long-term averages.

Snowmelt timing/thaw cycle, along with any additional snow and/or rain, will be the most important factors contributing to the spring flood risk.

The outlook puts the 50-50 crest prediction for the Red River in Grand Forks / East Grand Forks at 42.6 feet. Two weeks ago that mark was 38.5. Flood stage is 28.

RED RIVER     95%      90%      75%     50%      25%      10%      5%
—— —— —— —— —— —— —— ——
Wahpeton         11.7     11.7      12.2       13.2       14.9     15.7      16.8
Hickson            25.8     26.0      27.4      30.0     33.3     35.1      36.1
Fargo                25.7     27.2      28.9       31.8      34.0      36.5      38.5
Halstad            28.0     29.9      32.3       35.3      38.3     39.5      40.0
Grand Forks    36.6   37.4      40.0      42.6        44.2      46.6     49.9
Oslo                 33.9    34.1      34.7      35.6         36.3      37.3      38.6
Drayton           34.6    35.5      38.0      40.0      41.0       42.2      43.3
Pembina        41.6     43.0       45.7      47.8        49.9       51.8      52.5