Property and Street Drainage

The Sheyenne River Diversion does not protect against local drainage issues. Thus, residents should be aware of water ponding in streets or backyards caused by snow melt or heavy rains. Please be proactive and check the drains on the street and backyard drains for proper operation. To identify the location of these drains, visit the public GIS map.

Sump Pumps

Many West Fargo residents are allowed (with a proper permit) to pump their sumps into the sanitary sewer during the winter. During heavy melt or rains sump pumps may overwhelm the sanitary sewer systems and may cause sewage back up into homes. All sump pumps must discharge outside beginning April 15. For more information, visit the sump pump program page.

Sandbagging

Cass County has the greatest need for sandbags during the 2023 spring flood season. Visit the Cass County Flood Fight page for information about sandbags and sandbag volunteer opportunities.

If you have a concern about high water or river bank sloughing that you feel requires sandbags, please call Public Works at (701) 515-5400 so the City of West Fargo can assess your situation and determine the appropriate next steps.

Monitor Weather

Heavy rains at any time of year, can cause issues with overwhelming the storm drain system. Residents are encouraged to monitor the weather through the National Weather Service and stay alert to any potential heavy rains.

 If a heavy rain is in the forecast, ensure your sump pump is discharging outside away from your home, and the storm drains near your home are clear of debris and obstructions.

 Ways to Stay Informed

• Check our website and social media channels for any breaking news
• Sign up for Cass County Alerts for emergency notifications

Health and Safety

Flood Clean Up Information

• North Dakota Department of Health Fact Sheets and Information
• Flood Information Brochure (PDF)

Unsafe roads during flood

It is not safe to walk or drive the Sheyenne River Diversion banks, roads or surrounding areas, especially during flooding.

Flooding can cause extremely hazardous driving conditions that are often overlooked or misunderstood. Drivers tend to underestimate the power running water can have on a vehicle, remain patient when driving, and follow all posted road signs.

Helpful reminders

• Six inches of water can reach the bottom of most cars, causing a loss of control or stalling.
• One foot of rushing water is enough to sweep a person off his or her feet.
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most cars - including SUVs and trucks.
• Most flood related deaths occur at night and are vehicle related.
• Even if water looks shallow enough to cross, don't do it.

Emergency Situations

Special needs registry

The North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (NDDES), along with its partners, maintains the North Dakota Special Needs Registry (NDSNR). This registry allows emergency services across the state to better serve the public during disasters. Visit NDSNR to register.

Cass Clay Alerts

The emergency notification system used by Cass County, ND and Clay County, MN. This service allows you to opt-in to receive emergency alert and warning notifications via email, text message and/or voice communication methods based on the alert type and/or geographic locations you identify.

• Register for Cass Clay Alerts

**If you were previously registered for emergency notifications through the CodeRED system, you will need to re-register to continue receiving notifications from the Cass Clay Alerts system.**