Cass County officials discuss lower than expected spring flood levels

(Fargo, ND) -- We are learning the extent of flooding that occurred during the spring melt of 2023 in Cass County.

The Cass County Commission was briefed during a recent meeting, which showed water levels were lower than expected across the board due to colder than average temperatures and lower than average precipitation. Cass County Engineer Jason Benson says this led to The Red River in Fargo cresting at 29.7ft when it was expected to hit 37.8ft, the Wild Rice at Abercrombie cresting at 18.4 ft when it was expected to hit 24.0 ft, the Sheyenne River at Kindred cresting at 19.9 ft when it was expected to hit 21.2 ft, the Red River at Harwood cresting at 90.3ft when it was planned for a crest at 92.1, and the Maple River at Mapleton cresting at 23.2ft when water levels were expected to hit 22.3 ft. 

Despite the lower than expected water levels, there were road closures and mostly minor damage sustained in areas where flooding did occur.