Snow-pack, Continuous Cold Set Stage For Spring Floods
posted on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 at 9:14 pm
The National Weather Service has released its spring flood outlook, and once again the Red River Valley in North Dakota is threatened.
National Snow Depth, Image: NOAA
The snow-pack is approaching record levels and a cold, cold winter has limited melting and evaporation. The frozen soil in North Dakota will eventually melt, causing streams and rivers to swell.
1997 Red River Flood, Image: NOAA
In 1997, major flooding along the Red River near Grand Forks led to the evacuation of 50,000 people. The river inundated areas 2 miles away.
River Flooding, Image: NOAA
You can keep track of river stages online at the National Weather Service website.
-Dawn Brown