FARGO, N.D. (March 27, 2009)--The Red River rose to 40.32 feet early Friday, more than 22 feet above flood stage, and inches more than the previous high water mark of 40.10 feet set on April 7, 1897.

The higher water eroded a dike in an area south of downtown Fargo, N.D., forcing authorities to issue a mandatory evacuation order covering about 150 homes.

A Fargo spokeswoman says crews would start working to patch the leak Friday.

With the Red River predicted to crest as high as 43 feet by Saturday, officials are determined to hold the water back.

Residents have been scrambling in subfreezing temperatures to pile sandbags along the river.

North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven urged residents not to let up, saying: "We know they're tired, but we need to hang in there and continue the work."

Hoeven called for 500 more National Guard members to join 900 already part of the effort.