If you need assistance for backyard sandbag removal, please visit http://www.cityoffargo.com/CityInfo/Departments/Engineering/FloodInfoCenter/SandbagLeveeRemoval/ for further information.  Anticipated date to begin City assisted removal is April 19, 2010.

Sandbag Levee Removal [City of Fargo]

Anderson said plugs had been placed in the sewer line to prevent water from the coulee area from entering the system. Water pressure pushed out the plugs, and some river water did enter the system.

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The weather service observed the Red at that height at 9:30 a.m. this morning. Subsequent observations show it dropping just a bit. The river is expected to stay above the 30-foot major flood stage for more than a week.

Current Red River level here

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While the scope of this flood has proven to be less threatening than expected, Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker urged people not to celebrate just yet; and not to get anxious about removing the clay or sand-bag levees.

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The National Weather Service in Grand Forks lowered the Red River crest prediction this morning from 38 ft, to 37.5ft sometime Sunday morning.

According to a statement released this morning, the river is expected to crest Sunday about 1/2 a foot lower than expected. However, the Red River in Fargo will still remain at Major Flood stage for at least the next seven days.

Elsewhere in Cass and Clay counties, overland flooding continues to be a major issue with dozens of closed roads throughout.

Hydrograph of Red River at Fargo [National Weather Service]
Flood Statement [National Weather Service]
Closed Roads in Cass County [Cass County]
Closed Roads in Western Minnesota [MNDot]

A troublesome storm sewer drain can’t be plugged, and Timberline residents will be called on to place 15,000 to 20,000 sandbags in the area.

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The live meeting schedule is as follows:

• Friday, March 19 – 8 a.m. public flood meeting
• Saturday, March 20 – 9 a.m. public flood meeting
• Monday, March 22 – 9 a.m. public flood meeting

Residents can also watch live flood meetings on TV Fargo 12 at the dates and times above.

Organizations put forth long hours of sandbag filling to help our community and the City of Fargo is honored to award these donations.  The top five organizations receiving funds are as follows:

• Fargo Public Schools, 2,048 volunteers $1,636
• Salvation Army, 735 volunteers $625
• Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, 569 volunteers $475
• United Way of Cass Clay, 561 volunteers $475
• Theta Chi Fraternity, 381 volunteers $325

The groups were presented checks today during the 8:00 a.m. public flood meeting at Fargo City Hall.

“Denny’s Bucks for Bags” Donations Awarded [City of Fargo]

With the forecasted crest of the Red River to reach 38’ on Sunday, Moorhead has substantially completed actions necessary to protect public and private property.

Thanks to a great turnout of volunteers this afternoon (Wednesday), the City of Moorhead has substantially completed construction of sandbag dikes in each of the City’s eight Neighborhood Zones. The City’s Volunteer Center will remain open until at least 12:00 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday) pending a final assessment by Neighborhood Zone Leaders of any remaining sandbag needs in the City.

The City’s Call Center (218-299-5300) will remain open during normal business hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The City retains a reserve of filled sandbags and has closed its sandbag operation at the Public Works Facility at 700 15th Ave. N.

If any City resident is still in need of assistance at this time, they are asked to contact the City’s Call Center on Thursday at 218-299-5300.

The City of Moorhead’s focus will now shift to the monitoring of sandbag dikes, clay levees, and City infrastructure. City staff, with assistance from the Minnesota National Guard, will be responsible for these activities.

The City remains vigilant and is prepared to resume any aspect of its sandbag operation if circumstances change and need arise. The City is appreciative of the many homeowners, students, and volunteers who participated in Flood 2010 preparations this week and thanks everyone for their time and efforts.

City of Moorhead Winding Down Sandbag Operations [City of Moorhead]

Volunteers are now asked to focus their attentions on the sandbag placement effort in neighborhoods. Volunteers are asked to report to First Assembly of God Church located at 3401 25^th St. South, Fargo, where they will be transported to neighborhoods. The last shuttle of the day will depart to neighborhoods at 7:00 p.m. and will return to First Assembly between 9 p.m. – 10 p.m.

For more information on sandbag volunteering, call the volunteer hotline at 701- 476-4000.

Sandbag Central Ends Operations [City of Fargo]