×

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says prepare for drier conditions at Missouri River Basin

Prepare for drier conditions

OMAHA, NEBRASKA – Runoff throughout the Missouri River Basin is less than normal and, aggravated by extremely dry conditions, may continue to decline in the weeks and months ahead. In a conference call Thursday John Remus, Corps chief of Missouri River Basin Water Management Division, issued a caution for interests all along the system.

“It is safe to say that water conservation measures will be implemented this year,” said Remus. “I urge all water users to begin to prepare for lower water access levels this fall and winter.”

Earlier this week the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers adjusted the expected runoff significantly downward, from the 21.3 million acre feet projection April 1 to 17.8 maf. Runoff in the Upper Missouri Basin was 44% of average, making it the ninth driest April in 123 years.

“The update Upper Basin runoff forecast is 69% of average, which, if realized, would rank as the 22nd lowest calendar year runoff volume,” said Kevin Grode, Corps of Engineers.

Forecasters say there are no indicators of relief in the form of significant precipitation falling in the coming weeks and months. Doug Kluck, climatologist, put it this way:

“I’m really concerned about drought conditions in the upper basin, including North Dakota. Things look a little bleak. This is our rainy season, May and June. We hope to get it now because we probably won’t get it later. If May stays dry, then we need to start worrying more and more.”

Weekly Drought Monitor

More of more of the same for North Dakota, although some areas of the U.S. received some welcome relief from drought conditions this past week. A large area of Texas received from 2 to 10 inches of rain which significantly improved drought conditions in that state. Colorado and other Central Plains states received rain too, 2-4 inches.

Elsewhere, extreme drought designation expanded in northern South Dakota and southern North Dakota. Eighty-five percent of North Dakota is now rated as being in “extreme” drought, up slightly from a week earlier. Lemmon, S.D., had its driest January through April on record with only 0.71 inches of precipitation for the four-month period.

According to the Drought Monitor issued Thursday, the North Dakota State Climate Office and the South Dakota State Extension Service both reported drought-related impacts, including poor water quality for livestock and dry stock ponds. Additionally, particularly in western North Dakota, dry conditions and strong winds have been exacerbating fire-related conditions.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today