FARGO, N.D. - The flood outlook for the Red River in eastern North Dakota is focusing on a word that hasn't been used much by the National Weather Service in recent years: minor.

Figures released Thursday show the chances for minor flooding along the river at less than 33 per cent in most areas. Fargo has a 53 per cent chance of minor flooding, which would likely shut down only a few roads and paths. There's a 6 per cent chance of major flooding in North Dakota's largest city.

The weather service cites favourable snowpack and frost conditions as key factors.

Residents in Fargo and neighbouring Moorhead, Minn., have endured major flooding the last three springs.

The weather service says there's only a slim chance that Devils Lake will reach a record level this summer.