Red River closed to public

Due to current flooding conditions, the Red River in Grand Forks County is closed for public use until further notice, according to a statement released by the Grand Forks County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday, Oct. 9.

All public access points to the Red River through Grand Forks County are closed due to increasing river levels and falling water temperatures. Additional precipitation expected through the weekend deems it unsafe for public use until it recedes to a safe level and public access points are reopened.

The dock on the Grand Forks side of the river remains floating in the middle of the river and is collecting tree branches and other debris along the side.

"We are watching and documenting it," said Rick Schreier, a coordinator from HB Sound & Light who is involved in Greenway city activities.

The Grand Forks area is in a flood warning and the Red River was predicted to reach 33.5 feet on Wednesday, recede slightly and crest Monday at 34.8 feet. Last month was the rainiest September in Grand Forks history, according to the weather service. Many basements flooded throughout town and farmers have struggled to harvest their crops in flooded or muddy fields.

1/3: Debris and fallen trees collect against a floating dock just north of the Sorlie Bridge on the Grand Forks side of the Red River late Wednesday morning. Nick Nelson / Grand Forks Herald

2/3: The Red River carries fallen trees and branches past a floating dock north of the Sorlie Bridge late Wednesday morning. Nick Nelson / Grand Forks Herald

3/3: It appears as if one angler is stretching the truth when it comes to the size of a fish even before disembarking from the boat during the Cats Incredible Catfish Tournament held Saturday, July 27, in East Grand Forks. As the river reaches flood stage in October, it is not looking quite so friendly. By Kimberly Wynn/Grand Forks Herald