By Scout Nelson
The North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network (NDAWN) has completed a $6.4 million, five-year grant project supported by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This effort expands weather monitoring and improves forecasting across the Upper Missouri River Basin.
Launched in 2020, the project focused on retrofitting existing sites and building 85 new weather stations in central and western North Dakota.
With these upgrades, the region is now among the best monitored in the world for soil moisture, snow water content, and precipitation. These are key measurements used to predict flooding and drought conditions.
“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 noted that having near real-time data on snow and soil moisture is a “game-changer” for water management and flood preparedness.
The project is part of a five-state collaboration in the Upper Missouri River Basin. North Dakota became the first state to complete its portion, delivering vital tools for the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers to strengthen hydrologic forecasting and resource management. The network also helps calculate available water in soil and forecast spring runoff.
Beyond water management, NDAWN’s expanded system directly benefits farmers. By offering data for crop and pest models, it helps growers plan field work, improve yields, and reduce pesticide use. Educators, researchers, and the public can access this information online through the NDAWN website.
“This grant has not only strengthened our network but also reinforced our commitment to serving communities, farmers and policymakers,” Ritchison said.
Established in 1989, NDAWN now operates more than 250 stations across North Dakota, Minnesota, and northeastern Montana, supporting agriculture, water management, and research with accurate, real-time weather data.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-tlillico
Categories: North Dakota, Weather