FARGO, N.D. — A Red River flood that a week ago was predicted to challenge the record is now unlikely to reach the 100,000-plus sandbags and the miles of clay levees built for defense, Fargo officials said Monday.

The National Weather Service lowered Wednesday’s expected crest forecast in Fargo and Moorhead to 35.5 feet, which would be the ninth-highest flood but virtually a non-event in Fargo, as most structures are protected to 38 feet.

“It can be frustrating,” Fargo city engineer April Walker, a flood control specialist, said Monday when asked about a flood fight that will be for naught. “But at the same time it’s way better to be prepared than have the crest rise and not be prepared for that.”

Walker spoke outside Fargo City Hall, which oddly enough is one of the few buildings that needs emergency protection when the Red River reaches 30 feet, which is considered major flood stage.

“We’re good. We’ve got everything we need out there and in place,” Walker said. “We’re watching and waiting for the crest to occur.”