The Missouri River through the Bismarck and Mandan area is gaining Ice cover due to the recent cold weather. Ice cover in the University of Mary reach of the Missouri River is near 80 percent. Historically, this leads to a sudden rise of river levels in the Bismarck and Mandan area. Over the next couple days river watchers can expect to see between a 3 and 5 foot rise in the river.
Warmer weather in the forecast for the coming weekend will cease formation of ice. This warmer weather may eventually lead to a loss of some local ice cover. Those living along the river can expect to see frequent fluctuations in water levels over the coming days.