The National Weather Service is reporting a low risk of major flooding this spring across the Red River Basin.
In its latest flood outlook, the National Weather Service says there is a high risk of minor flooding at Pembina, Grand Forks, and Fargo.
The National Weather Service says fall precipitation was below normal across the basin and was driest across the southern Red River Valley. Soil moisture heading into freeze-up was lower than normal with moderate drought conditions persisting across much of the southern and central portions of the basin with abnormally dry conditions across the north. It says base streamflows are near normal for this time of year.
Meanwhile, early-season snow cover has led to a relatively shallow frost layer for this time of year for some of the basin. However, depths are quite variable with the deepest being across northeastern North Dakota.
The current snowpack and associated water content are above normal. Since December 1st, snowfall has been running above normal. Lake/ river observations indicate that ice cover is thinner and less consistent than normal for this time of year, likely due to early snow cover.
One of the factors that will help determine whether or not we see flooding this spring, is the forecast. According to the National Weather Service, above-normal temperatures and dry conditions will continue into early next week before cooler and more active weather patterns return through the end of February.