The spring flood outlook released Thursday held some surprising news for cities along the Sheyenne River in North Dakota.
River stages could go a foot higher than numbers projected last month for cities such as Lisbon and Valley City, said Greg Gust of the National Weather Service.
"Valley City's flood of record was 20.65 feet, and that was in 2009," Gust said. "Right now, they have about a 20 percent chance of 20.5 feet."
Valley City Mayor Bob Werkhoven expressed disappointment Thursday.
"I thought it would go the other way, as did many of us around here. But we're preparing anyway," Werkhoven said.
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Valley City "squeaked by" the 2010 flood, Werkhoven said.
But 2009, when the city's sewer system failed, was another story.
"We had port-a-potties all over town," he said.
Since then, the city has improved its sewer system, and it has an ordinance that bars people from sending sump pump water into the sanitary sewer.
For the upcoming flood season, Werkhoven said Valley City has secured HESCO barriers that can take the place of hundreds of sandbags.
"We'll get her done. Just a little disappointed is all," Werkhoven said, referring to the latest flood outlook.
Lisbon Mayor Ross Cole said flood forecast numbers are "getting up there," but added the city will be resolute in preparing for a flood fight.
He said changes made in the wake of past floods should help, including improvements to storm gates and manhole covers.
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Readers can reach Forum reporter Dave Olson at (701) 241-5555
