Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News Feb 21, 2013) — The National Weather Service says the risk of major flooding on the Sheyenne River is low so far, less than 30 percent for minor flooding or greater in Valley City, Lisbon, Enderlin and Hillsboro.

Snowpack moisture in the James River Valley is low so far, but are increasing, with present snow melt amounts expected to be controlled by Pipestem and Jamestown Dams.

More information:  http://csinewsnow.com/2013/02/21/spring-2013-flood-outlook-jms-missouri-rvr-basins/

The anticipated flood outlook as of Februay 21,, 2013 is roughly 10 percent for minor flooding of 12 feet, 6 percent for moderate flooding of 14 feet and 5 percent for minor flooding of 15 feet along the James River at Grace City.

The outlook includes 11 percent for minor flooding of 9 feet, 6 percent for moderate flooding of 11 feet and less than 5 percent for major flooding of 13 feet along Pipestem Creek at Pingree.

Calculations do not include any flooding caused by ice jams and assume normal levels of precipitation through the next three months.

Flooding below the Jamestown and Pipestem dams, measured at LaMoure, is also low with a 9 percent chance of minor flooding of 14 feet, 5 percent chance of moderate flooding of 16 feet and less than 5 percent chance of major flooding of 18 feet.

Overland flooding depends on the amount and timing of spring rains, and snow melt, plus the amount of frost in the ground, relative to run off amounts.

The National Weather Service has dramatically bumped up the chances of major flooding on the Red River near Fargo, but city officials say it should have minimal impact on residents.

Weather service meteorologist Greg Gust says the chance of major flooding in North Dakota’s largest city has increased from 6 percent a month ago to 79 percent, based mainly on water content in the snowpack.

Major flood stage in Fargo is 30 feet. There’s a 50 percent chance the river will reach 33.2 feet, a 25 percent chance it will hit 35.1 feet and a 5 percent chance of 37.8 feet.

Fargo officials say the city has taken steps to handle major flooding since a record crest in 2009.
The next flood outlook will be released March 7.