How Highs the Water, Mamma?

24ft high and risin!  We are about to see the results of our abundance of snowfall this past winter, in another spring flood.  Our neighbours to the south in North Dakota are already under water and it is heading this way.  The Red River crested at Fargo on Sunday at 38.75 ft.  Next is Grand Forks, and then it's our turn.  I 29 from Fargo to the Canadian border is has been closed for several days already, and very soon our highway 75 from the border to here will be closed as well. 

This is I 29 North of Fargo ND

There are hundreds of little communities and farms between here and Fargo that Have been cut off of everything.  And the sad thing is this happens to some extent year after year after year!  Last year we travelled to Chicago around this time of the year, and although the Red was high, there was no flooding - this year is a totally different scenario. Farms, small communities and homes in out-lying areas of larger cities like Fargo, Grand Forks and Winnipeg have been evacuated due to flood waters.

It is expected that the Red will crest here in about 2 weeks time.  Sand bagging has been going on for weeks now, and still there is not enough.

I 29 between Fargo and Grand Forks.

Winnipeg is lucky to have a flood way.  In the 1960's The flood way was designed and built around the entire city.  It is basically a large ditch with gates, and when the Red gets high enough they open the gates and the water is diverted around the the city.  Sadly the communities around the city pay the huge price for keeping the city dry.  It's a on-going battle that I don't think will ever been settled, because when it comes down to it - no one can tame the Red.

Winnipeg also has the Assiniboine River running through it, which currently is over it's lower bank and it gaining control of the upper banks.  I live about 2 blocks from this river, and although it is not the threat that the Red is, it still has the potential for a lot of damage locally.

Our friends Bill and Deb and their family have been evacuated from their home in Fargo.  I wish them well, and hope and pray that their home will remain safe.  My thoughts and prayers go with everyone who is dealing with this monster.  Lets hope the flood waters recede quickly and damage is kept to a minimum this time.  Stay safe everyone.