Ice jams caused Sheyenne River levels in Lisbon, N.D., to rise, prompting crews using a backhoe to push most of the ice under bridges.
"You've got to catch it. That's the main thing, and we did," Mayor Ross Cole said.
The river rose from 17.7 feet at 7 a.m. to 18.61 feet at 4 p.m.
The National Weather Service said the Sheyenne may fluctuate as ice jams persist.
Moderate flood stage in Lisbon is 17 feet. Major flood stage is 19 feet.
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Ice caught up at the bridge over Route 32 on the north side of town, said Bill Barrett, hydrological technician for the weather service. Another jam was spotted closer to Fort Ransom, northwest of Lisbon. "It didn't look like it was going to pose a property-threatening situation," Barrett said.
Crews also worked to dislodge an ice jam by Jackson Bridge on the south end of town Monday, Cole said.
"We're just kind of chasing it through town," he said.
Ice jams that were hung up on the Highway 27 bridge and railroad bridge caused Sheyenne River levels to spike Sunday night, Cole said.
A flood warning continues for the Sheyenne River at Lisbon. Moderate flooding is forecast for the next seven days.
The Sheyenne crested at a record 22.8 feet in Lisbon last year.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Tracy Frank at (701) 241-5526
