BISMARCK (AP) - A wind advisory throughout the Dakotas has prompted National Weather Service officials to keep watch over ice formations on the Missouri River in the Bismarck-Mandan area.
Meterologist Bill Abeling tells the Bismarck Tribune that the river is gradually rising but there's so far no concern of an ice jam. The water level's gone from 3.5 feet Dec. 21 to 5.3 feet. Temperatures are expected to drop to at least negative 10 degrees with wind chills falling to negative 25 degrees.
The wind chill advisory through noon Christmas Day made ice formations and jams possible. If the water rises quickly another five or six feet, officials will get concerned.
Flood stage for Bismarck is 14.5 feet.
Burleigh County Sheriff Lt. Steve Hall says deputies are also monitoring the river.