The “Fargo Flood” Web site has been updated with the most current information regarding potential flooding in the Red River Valley. The site can be viewed at www.ndsu.edu/fargoflood.
The site manager is Donald Schwert, professor of geology and director of the Center for Science and Mathematics Education.
In 1997, the Fargo Flood homepage was launched with the intent of a simple Web presence. It, however, quickly developed as a hub for information and emergency management information, including for Grand Forks. With the 1997 Web site’s livecam views, satellite imagery, data feeds, graphical interfaces, photographs and news releases, it was the one of the most comprehensive emergency management Web sites of its kind ever hosted until that time.
"NDSU had a great team of faculty, staff and students who joined in building and maintaining the Web site," said Schwert. "Most of those team members have volunteered again this year to help out with the Web site."
Schwert said he hopes to keep the new, updated Web site more manageable. “With the post-1997 growth of Internet sites focused on Red River flooding, the 2009 Fargo Flood Web site shouldn't have to deal with issues such as lost pets, lost people or sanitation. Instead, our focus will be access to basic geologic, hydrologic and scientific information, so as to allow the public, news media and educators better understanding of the nature of the Red River flood as it develops,” he said.
The Web site has a graph measuring the current level of the Red River at Fargo, and sections called “Flood Information for Fargo,” “Fargo Geology,” “Flood Hydrographs,” “Flood Gauge Data for Fargo,” “Flood Resources for the Public” and “Scientific Literature and Bibliography.” It also includes links to the City of Fargo’s interactive site, Fargo floodplain maps, National Weather Service, the In-Forum, Prairie Public Broadcasting’s RiverWatch, satellite imagery, emergency management information, official city Web sites and highway information.