Widesptread Flooding Feared for Western North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Western North Dakota has a lot of snow,

saturated ground and wetlands that are already full of water. A

National Weather Service hydrologist says it's a recipe for

widespread flooding this spring.

Allen Schlag says officials are concerned about the Knife River

near Beulah and Hazen, Beaver Creek near Linton and Apple Creek

near Bismarck.

Schlag says overland flooding is possible in north-central North

Dakota, and the chance of Souris River flooding is greater

downstream from Minot.

He says if March is "gentle," with temperatures in the 30s and

little rain or snow, things might turn out OK.

State Emergency Management Director Greg Wilz says officials are

taking lessons from last year's widespread flooding in making

preparations.

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