US Flood Risk, Image: NOAA

Sandbagging continues today on the Red River in Fargo, North Dakota. Residents in North Dakota can monitor the latest river stages. As of 11am this morning, the river was at 31′ feet in Fargo, 13′ above flood stage. It’s expected to crest at 38′ this Saturday. They can also watch the river rise through USGS (United States Geological Survey) web cams. Last year, the river rose to 40.8′, a record level for the Red River in Fargo.

24-Hour Snow Melt, Image: NOAA

Rapid snow melt is the main reason for the rising rivers. Near record snowfall across the Northern Plains caused the National Weather Service to put the Red River at a severe risk for flooding.

Red River Webcam, Image: USGS

This is an updated web cam image from earlier today. Look at the obelisk circled in the image. Two days ago, this obelisk was well above the banks of the river.

Red River Webcam, Image: USGS

You can clearly see the banks of the river, the obelisk and a walking trail. This is in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Major Flood Crests, Grand Forks Image: USGS

Here’s a close up shot of the obelisk on the banks of the river. It marks the flood stage of last year’s flood, and the height of the river in 1897, 1979, 1882 and 1996.

To further monitor the situation, here’s a link to TV forecasters in Fargo and Northern Minnesota.

-Dawn Brown

National Snow Depth, Image: NOAA

The snow-pack is approaching record levels and a cold, cold winter has limited melting and evaporation. The frozen soil in North Dakota will eventually melt, causing streams and rivers to swell.

1997 Red River Flood, Image: NOAA

In 1997, major flooding along the Red River near Grand Forks led to the evacuation of 50,000 people. The river inundated areas 2 miles away.

River Flooding, Image: NOAA

You can keep track of river stages online at the National Weather Service website.

-Dawn Brown

Computer Model Temperature Chart, Image: Unisys Weather

A massive storm system that has dumped snow from California to New York and created severe weather across the South is now pulling an artic air mass toward the Central Plains. Looking at the computer model image above, places like Bismarck, North Dakota can expect highs in the “single” digits and minus-7 degree overnight lows. The frigid airmass is stretching as far south as Amarillo, Texas. Here’s a link to an Associated Press article on the impacts of this storm as it moved across the country this week.