VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Valley City has declared a flood emergency. The National Weather Service predicts the possibility of significant flooding in the Red River Basin. But forecaster Amanda Lee said the situation is better along the Sheyenne River Valley.

The city of Valley City passed a resolution declaring a flood emergency during a special meeting on Thursday. City Administrator David Schelkoph said even though the forecast has dropped the city from major to moderate flooding, the city should be prepared.

The mayor Dave Carlsrud said by declaring a flood emergency, it’s an insurance policy for the city. The commission tabled a resolution requesting emergency assistance at this time from the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Schelkoph said the moisture content is below one inch in many areas along the Sheyenne River Valley with the exception of the Maddock and Cooperstown areas where there appears to be 2 to 3 inches.

Schelkoph said the new estimate puts the crest in Valley City at 13 to 16 feet. Major flooding occurs once the river above 17 feet.

The record flood level of 20.69 feet was reached in April of 2009. The second highest crest of 20.66 feet was reached in April of 2011.

The spring flood outlook can be found on the “Water Watch” page listed under the “Weather” tab on the homepage of NewsDakota.com