VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The city of Valley City is in a flood fight.

Clay levees and flood walls are bracing for higher water next week. The Sheyenne River in Valley City is forecast to crest at 18.5 feet early next week.

Baldhill dam resource manager Rich Schueneman said outflows out of the dam were bumped up to 4,100 cfs on Wednesday. Inflows into Lake Ashtabula on Wednesday were at 3,300 cfs. He said more rain is in the forecast for this weekend.

He said Baldhill dam releases could be bumped up to 5,500 cfs on Sunday. Once that happens the river in Valley City will reach 18.5 feet.

Jamie Smith is with the Barnes County Highway Department. She said once the river level reaches 17.4 feet two bridges along the Katheryn Road south of Valley City will have to close.

Valley City commissioner Mike Bishop asked residents to stay off all dikes and levees in Valley City.

Sandbags are available for Barnes County residents from 8am to 6pm or by appointment at the Fire Hall in Valley City until further notice.

A call center hotline for Barnes County residents who have flood related questions, 701-890-7848.

The full April 27th meeting is podcast and available below.