A river flood warning is now in effect for parts of Kittson County after the Two Rivers River near Hallock climbed to minor flood stage and slightly above it, triggering local closures and extra inspections. The Hallock dam spillway at Gilbert Park is closed to the public, and county crews are out walking the dikes and checking culverts as spring runoff and shifting ice move through the system. Officials say some low-lying roads and nearby fields may see minor inundation and are urging residents to stay out of floodwater, whether on foot or behind the wheel.
Local bulletin and coverage
FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul reported on Wednesday that the advisory covers Kittson County and highlighted the stretch of the Two Rivers that is being hit the hardest. The FOX 9 video summarizes the National Weather Service advisory for Hallock and calls out potential impacts on rural access roads. Viewers are reminded to keep an eye on official updates and to steer clear of standing water when they are out driving.
What the National Weather Service says
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, a recent flood statement notes minor flooding on the Two Rivers River near Hallock and confirms that the Hallock dam spillway at Gilbert Park is closed while culverts with flappers are inspected. The statement sets minor flood stage at 802.0 feet and reports river levels hovering around that mark, along with the familiar warning, Turn around, don't drown. Forecasters say they are watching the river closely for ice jams or fresh runoff that could push levels higher.
Local response and watershed context
The Two Rivers Watershed District, which maintains drainage infrastructure in the basin from its office in the Kittson County Courthouse, is coordinating with county crews on inspections and localized flow management, according to the Two Rivers Watershed District. Engineering and retention work in the area, including projects at Lake Bronson that are designed to reduce flood risk, remain active and may influence how water moves through this part of the watershed, according to reporting by the Kittson County Enterprise. Local managers note that inspections of dikes and storm valves are standard procedure whenever rivers reach flood stage.
Why the river is rising
The National Weather Service spring flood outlook for the Red River basin flags an elevated chance of minor to isolated moderate flooding at sites including Hallock, citing snowmelt, frozen ground, and possible rain on snow events as the main drivers of risk this season. That outlook explains why smaller tributaries like the Two Rivers can rise quickly when runoff combines with ice and saturated soils. The timing of melt and any additional precipitation will determine whether river stages rise, drop, or hover near the minor flood threshold. The NWS spring outlook provides a basin wide view of these risks and the chances of exceeding flood categories this spring, according to the agency's outlook document.
How to stay safe
Residents and travelers in Kittson County are being urged to avoid flooded roads, respect posted closures, and follow updates from local officials and the Two Rivers Watershed District about any infrastructure concerns. If you encounter water across a roadway, do not attempt to cross it. Instead, find an alternate route and wait until authorities say it is safe. For official conditions and forecast information, check local National Weather Service updates and the watershed district website for notices and contact details.
