BISMARCK, N.D.  (KCSi-T.V. News Mar 29, 2013) – Gov. Jack Dalrymple Friday issued a disaster declaration in preparation for potential spring flooding in river basins throughout the state. The declaration includes counties and Tribal Nations that face a 50 percent chance of reaching or exceeding moderate flood stage.

In issuing the disaster declaration, Dalrymple cited heavy snowpack, saturated topsoil conditions and full surface storage in sloughs, ponds and drainage systems in areas throughout the state. Dalrymple also cited flood outlooks issued by the National Weather Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that indicate a strong potential for flooding in areas including the Mouse, Devils Lake, Sheyenne, James, Pembina and Red River basins.

“Current conditions and forecasts clearly indicate that there is a significant potential for flooding that may exceed local response capabilities in areas across the state,” Dalrymple said. “This emergency declaration is an important step in providing the state resources that may be needed to protect people and property from significant spring flooding.”

The governor’s disaster declaration activates the State Emergency Operations Plan which requires that state officials and agencies and the North Dakota National Guard prepare to provide timely flood response services.