Snow falling on flooded Red River valley

FARGO, N.D., March 31 (UPI) -- Flood-weary residents in Fargo, N.D., watched snow fall Tuesday from a blizzard forecasters predict could dump more than 1 foot of snow in North Dakota.

Receding waters eased some concerns of the residents of the North Dakota city and its across-the-river twin, Moorhead, Minn., but the possibility of up to 16 inches of snow near the Red River Valley raised concern about a second rise in the level of the river, CNN reported.

The Red River's crest at 40.82 feet Saturday broke a record set in 1897. The crest fell to less than 39 feet Monday, still more than double the flood stage of 18 feet.

City officials scaled back sand-bagging efforts but say they're watching weather conditions.

"It's not over," Fargo Deputy Mayor Tim Mahoney said Monday. "We're still in a flood fight, so now you just have to be careful and watch things and we'll monitor as we go along."

The snowstorm was expected to linger until Wednesday. While the snow won't add to the water levels initially, AccuWeather.com said when the snow melts, an additional 1-2 inches of runoff could bring a second rise of water levels along the Red River system.

Officials blame flood-related incidents for two deaths and 50 injuries, CNN reported.