The National Weather Service in Grand forks is reporting that by this time next week, most, if not all locations along the Red River south of the international border should have crested. Mike Lukes says warmer nights this week has caused a lot of spring runoff to start flowing.

Oslo is expected to crest in the next couple of days, followed by Drayton by Wednesday and then Pembina on Saturday. The National Weather Service is forecasting the Red River to reach 45.5 feet at Pembina. That would be considered Moderate Flood Stage.

Over in Neche, the Pembina River has reached the Major Flood Stage and a Flood Warning has been issued. Levels there Friday morning were 21.8 feet, which is nearly four feet above flood stage. There are some road closures there. Rising water levels along the Pembina River have forced the closure of the Gretna, MB/Neche, ND border crossing. The ports remain closed. The rising waters have led to a partial dike closure at the border crossing south of Gretna. An official with the Municipality of Rhineland says crews continue to the monitor the situation.

Lukes says right now they are also fighting ice jams in North Dakota. He notes there is a fair amount happening on tributaries, which is obstructing ice flows.

The Gretna/Neche border crossing was closed just prior to noon Friday. Photo courtesy Lori Hamm.