By Scout Nelson
The North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network (NDAWN) has completed a major $6.4 million project to expand and modernize weather monitoring across the Upper Missouri River Basin. The effort, funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, marks the successful conclusion of a five-year grant awarded in 2020.
As part of the project, NDAWN added or retrofitted 85 weather stations throughout central and western North Dakota. These stations now provide real-time data on rainfall, soil moisture, and snow water content—factors that are critical for predicting both flooding and drought.
“This project has turned central and western North Dakota into one of the most robustly monitored regions for weather data in the world,” said NDAWN director Daryl Ritchison. He explained that the improvements will support both water management and agricultural productivity.
The project is part of a five-state initiative to strengthen hydrologic forecasting across the Upper Missouri River Basin. By capturing more accurate measurements of snow and soil moisture, the network provides the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with better data to manage reservoirs, improve flood forecasts, and prepare for droughts.
“The ability to monitor snow water content and soil moisture in near real-time is a game-changer,” Ritchison said.
Farmers also benefit from the improved system. NDAWN’s data supports agricultural models that predict crop growth and pest development, helping producers make timely decisions to boost yields while reducing pesticide use.
The data is free and accessible to the public, media, educators, and researchers through the NDAWN website.
Ritchison added that the project strengthens NDAWN’s mission of delivering reliable weather information to farmers, policymakers, and communities across the state. North Dakota is the first of the five states to complete its portion of the project, setting a strong example for regional cooperation.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-tlillico
Categories: North Dakota, Weather