Official Bismarck Flood Stage Might Be Lowered

The National Weather Service might change the official Missouri River flood stage in Bismarck, N.D.

Hydrologist Allen Schlag tells The Bismarck Tribune that at the current flood stage of 16 feet, neither Bismarck nor neighboring Mandan experience any real flooding problems, though areas outside the cities might be impacted.

The weather service is considering lowering the flood stage to 14.5 feet. A decision is to be made by early April.

The possible change would impact weather service flood warnings. Schlag says other agencies use their own measurements for things such as flood insurance.