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Weather Forecast Office Bismarck, ND Missouri Basin River Forecast Center

Hydrograph River at a Glance Download Weekly Chance of
Exceeding Levels
Chance of Exceeding Levels
During Entire Period
Missouri River at Bismarck Probabalistic Stage Forecast Graph
Forecasts for the Missouri River at Bismarck are issued as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available.

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Flood Categories (in feet)
Major Flood Stage:18
Moderate Flood Stage:16
Flood Stage:14.5
Action Stage:12.5

Historical Crests
(1) 31.60 ft on 03/31/1883
(2) 31.10 ft on 01/01/1887
(3) 30.40 ft on 03/14/1910
(4) 27.90 ft on 04/06/1952
(5) 27.70 ft on 04/08/1897
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Low Water Records
Legend
Gauge Location
Disclaimer
Latitude/Longitude Disclaimer: The gauge location shown in the above map is the approximate location based on the latitude/longitude coordinates provided to the NWS by the gauge owner.
Flood Impacts & Photos Collapse
22 Significant number of homes and businesses on both sides of the river should be expected to flood if not protected.
20 Wter begins to appear on the lowest stretches of River Road north of Bismarck.
18 Homes in the low-lying incorporated parts of Bismarck if not protected risk inundation.
17 City of Bismarck experiences flooding of streets in low-lying areas if not protected. Access to Fox Island and other rural developments becomes increasingly difficult. Access to homes in the Briardale, Hoge Island, Ponderosa, and Misty Waters developments north of Bismarck may be cutoff and some homes are taking on water if not protected.
16 Before 16 feet, older homes in the Fox Island area may experience flooding. Homes built to this level are at less risk but may have water surrounding them. Access to Fox island is difficult because of water on Riverwood Drive. No significant threat to the incorporated cities of Bismarck and Mandan.
14.5 Flooding of rural areas begins. Inundation of croplands and the potential closure of local boat ramp access is likely. Riverbank erosion rates increase and cause unstable shorelines. If water levels are the result of an icejam south of Bismarck, water levels will be relatively higher near the jam and cause concerns for residents south of Fox Island.
12.5 Unusually high river stage for this reach of the Missouri River. Residents are encouraged to pay close attention to NWS updates, local media, and local emergency management for information concerning why the river is this high and its potential for further rises.
Photos
(1) Missouri River at Bismarck-downstream view

Other Data Sources:

Additional Information Collapse
All observed information presented in the hydrograph is preliminary and subject to change. Users of this data are encouraged to visit the USGS website for more detailed information on site conditions and flow in the river.
Collaborative Agencies Collapse
The National Weather Service prepares its forecasts and other services in collaboration with agencies like the US Geological Survey, US Bureau of Reclamation, US Army Corps of Engineers, Natural Resource Conservation Service, National Park Service, ALERT Users Group, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and many state and local emergency managers across the country. For details, please click here.
NWS Information
National Weather Service
Bismarck Weather Forecast Office
2301 University Drive, Building 27
Bismarck, ND 58502-1016
(701) 250-4224
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Page last modified: 13-Mar-2013 6:27 PM
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