VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Despite a better flood forecast for the Sheyenne River Valley, the Barnes County Commission voted unanimously to declare a flood emergency on Tuesday, April 2nd.

There have been reports of overland flooding with roadways being flooded in low lying areas in Barnes County.

The Barnes County Highway Department is reminding motorists that seasonal thawing has caused minor flooding of roadways. County and Township officials continue to monitor the affected areas. Many of these areas have been marked, but conditions may change rapidly. Motorists are advised to exercise caution throughout the county and never drive through flowing water.

Valley City Administrator David Schelkoph said even though the flood forecast has dropped from major to moderate flooding it’s best to be prepared. The city declared a flood emergency on Thursday, March 28th. Schelkoph said there is one good sign this spring as river levels continue to drop in the upper region of the Sheyenne River Valley near Maddock. He said the new estimate puts the river crest between 13 to 16 feet. Major flooding starts at 17 feet in Valley City. The Sheyenne River reached 9.2 feet on Tuesday, April 2nd.

Baldhill Dam is releasing 1,200 Cubic Feet per Second (CFS.) The pool level of Lake Ashtabula is at an elevation of 1260.9 feet with an inflow of 1,960 CFS. Baldhill Creek was at 9.65 feet on Wednesday, April 3rd.

The spring flood outlook and water levels for rivers and streams can be found on NewsDakota.com using the Water Watch button bar.