"Missouri River Dams to Release Historic Rush of Water"

"OMAHA, Nebraska -- Releases from six Missouri River reservoirs, already at historic levels, will be increased again this month, say water managers with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Reservoir storage is now near capacity after a year's worth of rain fell in the Upper Missouri River Basin during the past few weeks. In addition, snowpacks measured at 140 percent of normal in Montana, northern Wyoming and the western Dakotas are melting, contributing to unprecedented runoff to the Missouri River and its tributaries.

Water managers expect significant flooding in cities, towns and agricultural land along the Missouri River in North and South Dakota. Many stretches of the river from Sioux City, Iowa to the Mississippi River will rise above flood stage. "

Environment News Service had the story June 6, 2011.