Cold Helps Some, but Flooding Continues

(March 19) -- Flooding is occurring -- and will continue to occur -- along rivers and streams in the Dakotas and Minnesota in the coming days and perhaps weeks because of the inevitable melting of a deep snowpack.

Unfortunately, there is no way around that. However, the weather will cooperate for at least a week or so in terms of lack of new precipitation and the arrival of some colder weather. It's not a perfect scenario, though.

One significant storm will pass to the south today, and a weaker storm will pass to the north on Saturday, neither one bringing any noteworthy precipitation to the Dakotas or Minnesota.

A third storm will most likely bring some rain and snow early next week -- most likely on Tuesday. But precipitation amounts will generally be light -- too light to have a serious impact.

Melting snow, of course, is the biggest problem, and a trend toward colder weather will help. Daytime temperatures will remain above freezing, but nighttime temperatures will drop below freezing. The colder nights will stop the melting process for at least a few hours each day, reducing the amount of water being added to the rivers. One of the factors contributing to the quick onset of the flooding this month was a string of nights when temperatures remained above freezing. This resulted in a nonstop influx of water into the rising rivers.

(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration map showing advisories as of Friday morning, March 19. Flood watches and warnings are in green)

Despite a significant amount of melting snow so far this month, a deep, water-laden snowpack remains on the ground across much of the region, especially North Dakota. More than six inches of liquid remains in the snowpack in some areas. Combine that with rivers and streams near or above the flood stage, and it's clear that the risk of flooding will persist.

This is why any assistance that the weather can provide, in terms of slowing the melting and not adding additional water to the system, will certainly be appreciated.