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Low river levels top of mind for Iowa’s state climatologist
The state climatologist for Iowa says he’s concerned about river levels heading into spring.
Justin Glisan with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship says he’s closely monitoring the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. “We turned the faucet on somewhat in November and December. We did see some rebound in inland streams, but the larger stream and river systems on the Missouri and Mississippi side are still below average.”
He tells Brownfield an above average winter snowpack is greatly needed. “You look at outflow north of Sioux City on the Missouri basin from the Upper Missouri, 91% of normal. Below average stream flows. We’re in a snow drought right now. Any runoff potential from below average snowpack is diminished.”
The Mississippi River is a major channel for ag shipments and Glisan says drought conditions along the river can cause some supply chain issues.
Glisan spoke to Brownfield during an ag news video update that can be viewed below.
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