National Weather Service Predicts High Spring Flood Risk along Mississippi River

In its just released annual Spring Flood Outlook, the National Weather Service (NWS) reports a “well above normal” risk for flooding along the main-stem of the Mississippi River, with tributaries ranging from near normal to well above normal. Persistent wet conditions across much of the region, well above normal soil moisture conditions, and much above normal streamflow are all contributing factors to this year’s increased potential for spring flooding. In a video accompanying the Outlook, NWS Service Hydrologist John Wetenkamp explained that recent rainfall and snowmelt had already saturated the top few layers of soil, leaving no room for new precipitation. “So any snowmelt or rainfall that falls, there really isn’t a place for that to go,” he said. Wet soils contributed to flooding along the Mississippi River last spring, which ended up continuing through much of the summer. Wetenkamp said conditions could change before the end of winter, with the potential of more snow or more consistent cold temperatures changing conditions. He said major spring flooding could be avoided if precipitation remains low over the coming months and temperatures remain below freezing at night, leading to a slower snowmelt across the region. NWS plans to release updated outlooks on February 27 and March 12. Read the Outlook at NWS.