Major flooding risk low on Red River

Flood aerial
Floodwaters consume much of the Red River Valley in April 2011.
Ann Arbor Miller / For MPR News, File

Forecasters in Grand Forks say the risk for substantial spring flooding is low along the Red River and Devils Lake Basin.

But they say winter is far from over and an early thaw is less likely.

Greg Gust and Mike Lukes with the National Weather Service say most Minnesota and North Dakota tributaries will likely have minor to moderate flooding. A moderate flood potential is possible for most of the Red River main stem. And a rise of 1 to 1 1/2 feet is expected on Devils Lake.

They say soils and streams are a bit "wet" in the far southern basin but otherwise near normal. The water content is generally running a bit low. And the rest of winter is likely to be near to colder than normal.