OutdoorMN News - Updated media contacts for flood information

[Rick]

As media interest in flood-related stories remains high, here are some updated, time-saving contacts for key functions and staff at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, along with flood forecast contacts at the National Weather Service. 

• Science of snowmelt; how/why streams and rivers flood State Climatologist Luigi Romolo, 651-296-4214.
• Flood trends and relationship to climate change
  Climatologist Kenny Blumenfeld, 651-296-4214.
• Current snow depth; Minnesota flood history:
  Climatologist Pete Boulay, 651-296-4214.

DNR climatologists do not produce flood or weather forecasts. Contact the National Weather Service at the numbers below for flood forecasts and meteorology questions. The DNR State Climatology Office can provide perspectives about climate trends and effects of climate change.

For questions about the flood forecast for the Minnesota or Mississippi rivers and tributaries, contact National Weather Service hydrologist Craig Schmidt, 952-368-2542.

For the Red River, contact National Weather Service warning coordination analyst Greg Gust or hydrologist Amanda Lee, 701-795-5119. For questions about the Mississippi River and streams in far southeastern Minnesota (from Lake Pepin downriver), contact National Weather Service meteorologist Dave Lawrence, 608-784-7294.

The DNR Water Monitoring and Surveys Unit collects data on river and stream flows and levels in Minnesota. They produce and distribute weekly statewide stream flow conditions reports during the open water season and interpret data from more than 70 stream flow network gauges across the state.  Contact Water Monitoring and Surveys Unit supervisor Greg Kruse, 651-539-2108.

The DNR Floodplain Management Program can provide information about floodplain development and flood insurance. Their services include guidance on floodplain development ordinances and requirements; floodplain maps and technical resources; and details about flood insurance policies, rates, coverage and claims.

State floodplain manager and state National Flood Insurance Program coordinator Ceil Strauss, 651-259-5713.

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