Red River expected to reach minor flood stage near Oslo – Grand Forks Herald

GRAND FORKS — The portion of the Red River in Oslo, Minn., is expected to rise to minor flood stage soon, but is not expected to exceed that, according to a National Weather Service meteorologist.

“It's probably going to just barely touch that minor flooding area and then it's going to start falling again,” meteorologist Austin Perroux told the Herald.

Minor flood stage starts at 18 feet in Fargo and 28 feet in Grand Forks, according to the National Water Prediction Service. Fargo has already peaked at just over 22 feet, and Grand Forks is expected to peak at just over 27 feet.

“The water has to get into the system, the Red River basin,” Mr. Perroux said. “Once it does that, wherever it falls, it begins to flow in its usual path, which is south to north. Once that water peaks – that's sort of the point maximum where this water is moving in the system – it should start to fall, because now the water is moving away from that point.

Northern portions of the main stem of the Red River will continue to rise, but as of Wednesday afternoon, May 29, Oslo is the only area expected to move into flood stage, which occurs at 26 feet.

“Points to the north, at Drayton and Pembina, will continue to rise, but they are not expected to reach flood stage,” Perroux said.

Rain is expected later this week and early next week, which could cause the river to flood again, but any increase in flood risk really depends on where the heaviest rain falls, a- he explained.

Due to recent rains and rising river levels, the Grand Forks and East Grand Forks Greenway issued a statement Tuesday, May 28, informing residents that the docks and most of the lower trails of the greenway are closed until further notice.

“For your safety and that of first responders performing water rescues, please respect the closures and use an alternate route,” the statement said.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office also released a statement Tuesday advising residents to be cautious around the river during this time.