Highlights for the Basin
Temperature Anomalies
Plains Snowpack
Agriculture
Energy
Transportation
Temperature
Precipitatio

Umphlett, Natalie

English

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University of Nebraska - Lincoln 
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln 
HPRCC Personnel Publications High Plains Regional Climate Center 
3-2019 
Umphlett QCI March 2019 
Natalie Umphlett 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/hprccpubs 
 Part of the Atmospheric Sciences Commons, Climate Commons, Environmental Indicators and Impact 
Assessment Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons, Fresh Water Studies Commons, Hydrology 
Commons, Meteorology Commons, Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons, Sustainability 
Commons, and the Water Resource Management Commons 
This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the High Plains Regional Climate Center at 
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in HPRCC Personnel 
Publications by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. 
Quarterly Climate Impacts 
and Outlook
Missouri River Basin
March 2019
National – Significant Events for December 2018 - February 2019
Highlights for the Basin
The winter of 2018-19 was one of the 
wettest on record for many states in the 
Basin, including IA (3rd), MO (5th), NE 
(7th), and SD (7th). 
Frequent storm systems traversed the 
region and many locations ranked in the 
top 10 snowiest winters. With records 
dating back to 1884, Omaha, NE had its 
snowiest winter with 46.1 inches.
At the end of January, a bitterly cold 
airmass brought some of the lowest 
temperatures in years to the Basin. Wind 
chills dipped below -50°F across portions 
of the Dakotas. 
Rocky Mountain snowpack has fared 
well this season. At the beginning of 
spring, the snow water equivalent was 
near normal for nearly all basins in 
Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming.
The average U.S. temperature for February was 32.0°F, 1.8°F below average, 
ranking in the coldest third of the 125-year record. The U.S. precipitation average 
for February was 3.22 inches, 1.09 inches above average, ranking second wettest 
on record. The winter average U.S. temperature was 33.4°F, 1.2°F above average. 
The winter precipitation total was 9.01 inches, 2.22 inches above average - wettest 
on record. For more information, see: https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc.
Regional – Climate Overview for December 2018 - February 2019
Temperature Anomalies
Departure from Normal Temperature (°F)
December 2018 (left) and February 2019 (right)
With a warm start and a cold end, average temperatures for the winter of 
2018-19 were only slightly below normal across the Missouri River Basin. 
Upper portions of the Basin experienced the largest temperature swing this 
winter, with December temperatures of 6-10°F above normal and February 
temperatures of 15-25°F below normal. Because of these opposing extremes, 
winter temperatures, overall, were not record-breaking. February was quite 
cold and many locations set new daily temperature records throughout the 
month. Average temperatures for the month were even below 0°F in some 
places. Ultimately, February ranked among the top 10 coldest on record for 
several states, including MT (2nd), ND (2nd), SD (3rd), and NE (8th). 
Plains Snowpack
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE)
as of March 1, 2019
Persistent cold, along with frequent 
snowstorms during the latter half of 
winter, allowed the snowpack to build 
across the Plains. At the beginning 
of March, snow depths of one to 
two feet stretched across parts of 
the Dakotas, with the highest snow 
water equivalent (SWE) in northern 
and eastern areas. This snowpack, 
combined with wet, frozen soils, will 
contribute to an increased risk of 
flooding this spring.
MO River Basin Quarterly Climate Impacts and Outlook | Mar. 2019 
https://www.drought.gov/drought/resources/reports
Contact:  Natalie Umphlett (numphlett2@unl.edu)
Regional – Impacts for December 2018 - February 2019
Agriculture
Ranchers have battled the cold and 
snow in order to keep cattle watered 
and fed this winter. Cold stress has 
been a major concern, particularly 
as calving season gets into full swing. 
While there are some indications that 
calf mortality may be higher than 
usual, that is yet to be determined. 
This winter's harsh conditions also 
limited fieldwork, as many producers 
who were unable to fertilize in the fall 
have not been able to this year, either.
Above: Cattle in the snow in northwest KS, photo courtesy Sandy Johnson, KSU (left); Snow-covered streets in Lincoln, NE, photo 
courtesy Natalie Umphlett (middle); Large drift near Harlowton, MT, photo courtesy Chris Frehse, MT Dept. of Transportation (right).
Regional – Outlook for April - June 2019
Temperature Precipitation
Outlooks for April - June 2019
EC: Equal chances of above, near, or below normal
A: Above normal, B: Below normal
Between the end of winter and the release of this report, historic flooding 
has occurred across parts of the lower Missouri River Basin, with damage 
estimates over $1 billion. The next report will cover this event and its 
impacts in more detail. Over the next three months, below-normal 
temperatures and above-normal precipitation are favored across much of 
the Basin. Moderate to major flooding is expected along the main stem 
of the Missouri, as well as its tributaries, such as the Big Sioux and James 
Rivers. Although not in the Basin, major flooding is also expected for the 
Red River of the North. Please see your local National Weather Service 
Office for the most up-to-date flood information: www.weather.gov. 
MO River Basin Partners
Contact:  Natalie Umphlett (numphlett2@unl.edu)
#regionalclimateoutlooks
MO River Basin Quarterly Climate Impacts and Outlook | Mar. 2019 
https://www.drought.gov/drought/resources/reports
High Plains Regional Climate Center  
www.hprcc.unl.edu
National Drought Mitigation Center  
http://drought.unl.edu/
National Integrated Drought Information System  
https://www.drought.gov/
NOAA NCEI  
www.ncdc.noaa.gov
NOAA NWS - Central Region  
www.weather.gov/crh
NOAA NWS Climate Prediction Center 
www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov
NOAA NWS Missouri Basin River Forecast Center  
www.weather.gov/mbrfc 
American Association of State Climatologists  
https://www.stateclimate.org/
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers  
www.nwd-mr.usace.army.mil/rcc/
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation  
https://www.usbr.gov/
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service 
www.nrcs.usda.gov
USDA Northern Plains Climate Hub  
www.climatehubs.oce.usda.gov
USGS, Water Mission Area  
www.usgs.gov/water
Western Governors’ Association 
http://westgov.org
Energy
Frequent snowstorms delayed 
deliveries of propane and heating oil 
to rural areas across the northern tier 
of the Basin. In response, Montana 
Governor Steve Bullock declared a 
state of energy emergency at the 
end of February, which allowed for 
longer driving hours to get supplies 
to areas in need. In addition, during 
the extreme cold event at the end of 
January, wind turbines in the Dakotas 
shut down to protect the equipment.
Transportation
This winter was a struggle for 
communities trying to keep up with 
snow removal, with crews working 
hard to keep roads clear. During one 
storm in late February, over 200 miles 
of I-80 were closed for several hours 
in eastern Nebraska due to blizzard 
conditions. It took some communities 
days to dig out from the storm. 
Interstates across the region were 
closed multiple times this winter due 
to heavy and/or blowing snow.


Umphlett QCI March 2019

DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska

University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln HPRCC Personnel Publications High Plains Regional Climate Center 3-2019 Umphlett QCI March 2019 Natalie Umphlett Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/hprccpubs  Part of the Atmospheric Sciences Commons, Climate Commons, Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons, Fresh Water Studies Commons, Hydrology Commons, Meteorology Commons, Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons, Sustainability Commons, and the Water Resource Management Commons This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the High Plains Regional Climate Center at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in HPRCC Personnel Publications by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Quarterly Climate Impacts and OutlookMissouri River BasinMarch 2019National – Significant Events for December 2018 - February 2019Highlights for the BasinThe winter of 2018-19 was one of the wettest on record for many states in the Basin, including IA (3rd), MO (5th), NE (7th), and SD (7th). Frequent storm systems traversed the region and many locations ranked in the top 10 snowiest winters. With records dating back to 1884, Omaha, NE had its snowiest winter with 46.1 inches.At the end of January, a bitterly cold airmass brought some of the lowest temperatures in years to the Basin. Wind chills dipped below -50°F across portions of the Dakotas. Rocky Mountain snowpack has fared well this season. At the beginning of spring, the snow water equivalent was near normal for nearly all basins in Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming.The average U.S. temperature for February was 32.0°F, 1.8°F below average, ranking in the coldest third of the 125-year record. The U.S. precipitation average for February was 3.22 inches, 1.09 inches above average, ranking second wettest on record. The winter average U.S. temperature was 33.4°F, 1.2°F above average. The winter precipitation total was 9.01 inches, 2.22 inches above average - wettest on record. For more information, see: https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc.Regional – Climate Overview for December 2018 - February 2019Temperature AnomaliesDeparture from Normal Temperature (°F)December 2018 (left) and February 2019 (right)With a warm start and a cold end, average temperatures for the winter of 2018-19 were only slightly below normal across the Missouri River Basin. Upper portions of the Basin experienced the largest temperature swing this winter, with December temperatures of 6-10°F above normal and February temperatures of 15-25°F below normal. Because of these opposing extremes, winter temperatures, overall, were not record-breaking. February was quite cold and many locations set new daily temperature records throughout the month. Average temperatures for the month were even below 0°F in some places. Ultimately, February ranked among the top 10 coldest on record for several states, including MT (2nd), ND (2nd), SD (3rd), and NE (8th). Plains SnowpackSnow Water Equivalent (SWE)as of March 1, 2019Persistent cold, along with frequent snowstorms during the latter half of winter, allowed the snowpack to build across the Plains. At the beginning of March, snow depths of one to two feet stretched across parts of the Dakotas, with the highest snow water equivalent (SWE) in northern and eastern areas. This snowpack, combined with wet, frozen soils, will contribute to an increased risk of flooding this spring.MO River Basin Quarterly Climate Impacts and Outlook | Mar. 2019 https://www.drought.gov/drought/resources/reportsContact:  Natalie Umphlett (numphlett2@unl.edu)Regional – Impacts for December 2018 - February 2019AgricultureRanchers have battled the cold and snow in order to keep cattle watered and fed this winter. Cold stress has been a major concern, particularly as calving season gets into full swing. While there are some indications that calf mortality may be higher than usual, that is yet to be determined. This winter's harsh conditions also limited fieldwork, as many producers who were unable to fertilize in the fall have not been able to this year, either.Above: Cattle in the snow in northwest KS, photo courtesy Sandy Johnson, KSU (left); Snow-covered streets in Lincoln, NE, photo courtesy Natalie Umphlett (middle); Large drift near Harlowton, MT, photo courtesy Chris Frehse, MT Dept. of Transportation (right).Regional – Outlook for April - June 2019Temperature PrecipitationOutlooks for April - June 2019EC: Equal chances of above, near, or below normalA: Above normal, B: Below normalBetween the end of winter and the release of this report, historic flooding has occurred across parts of the lower Missouri River Basin, with damage estimates over $1 billion. The next report will cover this event and its impacts in more detail. Over the next three months, below-normal temperatures and above-normal precipitation are favored across much of the Basin. Moderate to major flooding is expected along the main stem of the Missouri, as well as its tributaries, such as the Big Sioux and James Rivers. Although not in the Basin, major flooding is also expected for the Red River of the North. Please see your local National Weather Service Office for the most up-to-date flood information: www.weather.gov. MO River Basin PartnersContact:  Natalie Umphlett (numphlett2@unl.edu)#regionalclimateoutlooksMO River Basin Quarterly Climate Impacts and Outlook | Mar. 2019 https://www.drought.gov/drought/resources/reportsHigh Plains Regional Climate Center  www.hprcc.unl.eduNational Drought Mitigation Center  http://drought.unl.edu/National Integrated Drought Information System  https://www.drought.gov/NOAA NCEI  www.ncdc.noaa.govNOAA NWS - Central Region  www.weather.gov/crhNOAA NWS Climate Prediction Center www.cpc.ncep.noaa.govNOAA NWS Missouri Basin River Forecast Center  www.weather.gov/mbrfc American Association of State Climatologists  https://www.stateclimate.org/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers  www.nwd-mr.usace.army.mil/rcc/U.S. Bureau of Reclamation  https://www.usbr.gov/USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service www.nrcs.usda.govUSDA Northern Plains Climate Hub  www.climatehubs.oce.usda.govUSGS, Water Mission Area  www.usgs.gov/waterWestern Governors’ Association http://westgov.orgEnergyFrequent snowstorms delayed deliveries of propane and heating oil to rural areas across the northern tier of the Basin. In response, Montana Governor Steve Bullock declared a state of energy emergency at the end of February, which allowed for longer driving hours to get supplies to areas in need. In addition, during the extreme cold event at the end of January, wind turbines in the Dakotas shut down to protect the equipment.TransportationThis winter was a struggle for communities trying to keep up with snow removal, with crews working hard to keep roads clear. During one storm in late February, over 200 miles of I-80 were closed for several hours in eastern Nebraska due to blizzard conditions. It took some communities days to dig out from the storm. Interstates across the region were closed multiple times this winter due to heavy and/or blowing snow.

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Umphlett QCI March 2019

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