Round 3?

March snow melt brings April and May flooding. To be honest, I'm not surprised to hear the news and I'm actually surprised it hasn't come every other year as well. There's nothing like a good ol' fashioned flood to make spring more interesting. As in 2009 and 2010, it looks like the Fargo area is gearing up for another flood this year. And I'm sure we're all very excited about it; but at least we're prepared.

Original numbers showed a lower chance of the Fargo area flooding again, but now the numbers are new and it seems that the likelihood of a major flood is high. The good part is, though, is that officials are aware of the situation and can take action now instead of when it's too late. Although we may not be able to know how bad things could get, it's better to be safe then sorry--at least, that's what they say. If we're lucky, officials won't have to gear up for finding hundreds (or thousands?) of volunteers and hours upon hours of sandbagging and workers can just use the heavy machinery to get dikes made.

Likely more permanent steps will be taken to protect the area from this years fate and the years to come. I have a feeling the area is in it for the long run when it comes to floods. What shocks me about this whole situation is that there have been two other major floods in the recent past and yet we still have to work on building permanent flood protection. I believe that's called learning from the past, but hopefully this year steps will be taken and the years to come will be without worry of possible floods.

For those in the Sheyenne River Valley, there is good news. There is only about a 50% chance that a major flood will occur. Many factors play into the possibility of flooding and things could easily change, but for now it looks that we're in the clear for major flood issues. The numbers may be in, but I still have my doubts. I'm expecting another fun filled spring full of water and sandbags, but only time will tell.