Missouri River Basin Faces Persistent Drought and Low Runoff Forecasts
The latest in this situation
How it started
What happened
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers forecasts that runoff in the upper Missouri River Basin for 2026 will be 60% of average, or 15.4 million acre-feet, which could be the 11th lowest in the period of record. The U.S. Drought Monitor indicated that 80% of the basin was considered abnormally dry or in drought conditions. Drought conditions are expected to persist or expand in South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa.
From drgnews.com
Why it matters
Low water levels constrain commercial barge traffic and navigation capacity on the Missouri River. Millet production in Nebraska, Colorado, and South Dakota is severely impacted by drought. Furthermore, low runoff contributed to lower-than-typical energy generation from the six mainstem power plants in July.
Who's involved
- South DakotaUtilizes the Missouri River for water systems, influenced by climate patterns.
- IowaExperiences runoff measurements above Sioux City, Iowa.
- Missouri RiverIs the major river whose flow is influenced by climate and weather patterns.
- ColoradoMillet production is severely impacted by drought conditions.
- NebraskaMillet production is severely impacted by drought conditions.
- North DakotaFaces significant river flooding risk and receives water transfers from the Missouri River headwaters.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- North DakotaSpeculative
Might face increased costs related to infrastructure damage or insurance due to rising water levels.
- South DakotaSpeculative
Could see reduced agricultural revenue due to drought impacting core business.
- IowaSpeculative
May face increased costs related to water infrastructure and agricultural operations due to low runoff.
- NebraskaSpeculative
Could experience reduced crop sales or increased production costs due to drought impacting millet production.
Possible ripples
Who this could reach next, traced step by step from the reporting. Possibilities worth considering, not forecasts.- Low Missouri River runoff may affect Omaha's water managementLow Missouri River runoff may force changes in dam operations near Omaha.Likely
- Drought conditions may force Colorado Water Conservation Board to adjust policyThe Colorado Water Conservation Board may need to adjust resource allocation due to persistent drought.Likely
- Low Missouri River runoff may reduce Mississippi River flowMississippi River flow may decrease due to low runoff in Missouri BasinLikely
- Drought may reduce power generation for NorthWestern EnergyDrought conditions may reduce power generation capacity for NorthWestern EnergyLikely
- Drought conditions may strain National Park Service operationsDrought conditions may strain operational capacity of National Park Service sitesPossible
See all 8 possible ripples
- Drought conditions may reduce water flow in Belt CreekBelt Creek may experience reduced water flow due to regional drought conditionsPossible
- Drought conditions may force Nebraska National Forests to adapt managementDrought conditions could force Nebraska National Forests to adapt resource managementPossible
- Drought and low runoff may shift American Rivers' focus on Missouri River healthAmerican Rivers' focus on river health may shift due to Missouri River droughtPossible
How it developed
Newest first. Tap a step to see who reported it.- The definition of the Missouri River Basin has been updated to include the state of Colorado.Sub-event
- The Missouri River basin is affecting the water supply in Kansas.Sub-event
- Basin runoff is measured above Sioux City, Iowa.Sub-event
- FVD deployed resources to various states, including Colorado and Nebraska.Sub-event
- Millet production in Nebraska, Colorado, and South Dakota is severely impacted by drought, and a new grading standard was released.Sub-event
- North Dakota faces significant river flooding risk as homeowners are exposed to rising water levels from major rivers.Sub-event
El Niño influences dry spring outlook and triggers water transfers of the Missouri River headwaters to North Dakota.1 source
Multi-state drought and river runoff status in the Missouri River Basin.1 source
Keep exploring
The entities involved
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South Dakota
state of the United States of America
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Iowa
state of the United States of America
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Missouri River
major river in central United States
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Colorado
state of the United States of America