In Oslo, Minn., 1,500 sandbags are full and ready to go. A 2,000-foot temporary levee -- a one-day project -- will go up in the new few days.
"After that, it's just wait-and-see," Mayor Scott Kosmatka said.
He said the city's flood preparation is well-positioned enough that a tailgating party during the UND hockey game Thursday will be held on Main Street. But it won't be long before high water arrives.
The National Weather Service forecast calls for a Red River level of 35 feet by Saturday and 36 feet by Monday. Water starts going over the roads leading to town at 36 feet and roads are closed about 36.5 feet. Road closings typically have the biggest flood impact on Oslo, as some residents choose to relocate when the roads close.
However, at Oslo, the water level's climb is slow and gradual after 36.5 feet. Instead, more volume means the river becomes wider because of the flat terrain.
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Kosmatka says the Red at Oslo typically crests 1-3 days after it crests in Grand Forks.
Reach Bakken at (701) 780-1125; (800) 477-6572, ext. 125; or send e-mail to rbakken@gfherald.com .
