Recorded by CSi TV 10 – The Replay Channel.  Jamestown  (CSi)  At the Jamestown Civic Center Exchequer Room Weds evening a good number of individuals turned out to hear about the spring 2020 flood outlook and along with flood preparedness, and steps people can take to prepare themselves and protect their property, along with flood insurance information.

Stutsman County Emergency Manager, Jerry Berqquist opened the meeting by explaining the presentation was sponsored by the State Water Commission, the State Department of Emergency Services, and the Federal  Emergency Management Agency, (FEMA).

Officials on hand were representatives from The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha Office, with information on Jamestown & Pipestem Dam operations, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, (FEMA), and the National Weather Service with a look at probable precipitation amounts in the long-range weather forecast.

Information was passed along by the ND State Water Commission and North Dakota Department of Emergency Services.  SWC spokesperson, Dionne Haynes,  introduced a video with Governor, Doug Burgum who said individuals should consider purchasing flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program by contacting your insurance agent, for coverage, and premium costs.

FEMA’s Matthew Buddie said:

One inch of water can cause, $25,000 in damages.

Most homeowners insurance policies DO NOT cover flooding.

The cost is based on factors such as risks, and coverage.

The coverage is for a 12 month period and becomes effective 30 days from when the policy is taken out, and covers other  above ground water seepage, year round.  The policies are renewable at the end of the 12 month policy coverage.

20-percent of claims are made from outside the High Risk, Flood Plain area.

No presidential disaster declaration is necessary to be paid by National Flood Insurance.

FEMA Grants or low interest lows could be available if a presidential disaster declaration is made.

It was pointed out that the State Mapping information is on line at www.ndram.swc.nd.gov

Jessica Batterman with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Office in Omaha gave current information on water levels and releases at Jamestown and Pipestem Dams.

As of January 29, 2020, Jamestown Reservoir’s pool elevation in the flood storage zone was at nine percent occupied.   At Pipestem Reservoir, the flood storage zone was five percent occupied.  The Target Date to reach the normal fall freeze up storage capacity, or target evacuation date, is now March 1, 2020.  The current combined releases from Jamestown and Pipestem Dams is 650 cfs. That release rate is expected to remain through the rest of this winter.  The maximum combined release is 1800 cfs, or higher based on conditions.

She added that the Pipestem Creek is expected to have high runoff this spring.

Variables that may change that include water runoff from snowpack and rain events, temperatures affecting the rate of snow melt, and the soil moisture condition, including frost depth, affecting the runoff.

Todd Joersz the State Department of Emergency Services, Mitigation Officer said there are website resources including hazard mitigation assistance and other resources is www.ndresponse.gov

National Weather Service Hydrologist Allen Schlag pointed out record rain and snow fall moisture content events between October first 2019 and now, in the area, with the wettest calendar year on record in 2019. Between August and October of 2019 was the wettest period of rain fall recorded in 125 years.

The current snow-water equivalent is three inches at Jamestown, and three plus inches south of Jamestown.  The average snow-water equivalent is one and an half to two inches in the winter.

The outlook for February, March and April, 2020, suggests the snowpack lasting longer than usual, with cooler that normal temperatures, leading to above normal runoff.

The National Weather Service will update the Spring Flood outlook on, February 13, February 27, and March 12, 2020.

The presentation was recorded by CSi 10 The Replay Channel, with additional information that was passed along.  Be watching for when the replays start.

Previously…

Bismarck  (CSi) The ND State Water Commission and Department of Emergency Services is hosting a series of meetings to inform the public about the potential for 2020 spring flood threats, and steps people can take to prepare themselves and protect their property.

The Jamestown meeting is  Wednesday, January 29 – 5:30PM, at the Civic Center – Exchequer Room 212 3rd Ave NE, Jamestown, ND

The meeting will also include presentations from federal partners including FEMA, the National Weather Service, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  Information will be provided on dam operations, current flood forecasts, flood preparedness and mitigation tips, and flood insurance.  There will be time at the end of the meetings for the public to ask questions about any of the topics presented.