Monday, March 23, 2009: Jump Ahead: 3-24 @ 6pm 3-26 @ 7:30am 3-27 @ 7:30am 3-28 @ 10:30a 3-29 @ 7:30am 3-30 @ 7:30am Time Lapse Slide Shows 3-31 @ 7:30am 4-1 @ 7:30am 8:30am River Level = 30.9ft. I guess it's that time of year. Everyone in the Red River Valley has begun to worry a little more as flood crest predictions continue to rise at a rapid rate. While spring flooding isn't that unusual here, record fall rains led to deep frost. We received the 5th most snow on record this year and are now getting a little extra rain for good measure. The river is currently forecast to crest near the record 1997 levels. The feeling in Grand Forks is optimistic. As long as there are no more major rains, the city will be in good shape. Folks in Fargo, however, are scrambling to fill another 1-2 million sandbags and they are looking for as many volunteers as they can find to help fill them. The river is expected to crest as early as Friday, leaving residents very little time to prepare. Hopefully volunteers and the National Guard will be able to complete flood control projects on time. Minnesota Public Radio has posted a slide show with pictures of the rising river in Fargo.       These photos show the flood preparations as of this morning. Starting at top left is a picture inside the wall of East Grand Forks. Working clockwise: The inside of the wall in EGF; Flood gates from the dry side are inserted in pedestrian access points; Grand Forks Rotary Park--water is about five feet from the bike path; The Sorlie Bridge (check this link for a picture of the bridge with normal water level) with water at 30.97 feet at 9am Monday; another shot of the inside of the wall. 7pm River Level = 32.9ft     Tuesday, March 24, 2009: 7:30am River Level = 35.6ft. Folks are concerned in Fargo according the Grand Forks Herald interviews. Water is rising very quickly there, but they still all the volunteers that keep pouring in will be enough to control the situation. UND has encouraged faculty to excuse students who wish to help and is shuttling work crews to Fargo for 4 hour shifts of sandbagging. Optimism remains in Grand Forks as flood preparations continue. The river is still forecast to crest around 52ft. late Sunday. The Point Bridge on the south end of town was closed to traffic at 9am, with the expectation being that the two other bridges in town may close sometime this weekend. This closure is an early safety measure that the cities have taken as snow looms in the forecast.     If you count the bricks, you can see water rising on the old railroad support. Water continues to rise on the bridge, and, the water is up to the sidewalk at Rotary Park. Paths in the Greenway are under water. 2:30pm River Level = 37.27ft. |
