BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - State officials say record snowfall this winter means the Dakota Access pipeline protest encampment could experience significant flooding when temperatures get warmer.
The Bismarck Tribune (https://bit.ly/2jb3lO6 ) reports the State Water Commission, through the state’s Joint Information Center, says more than 57 inches of snow so far could pose a safety risk when spring weather arrives.
The main encampment is located on the flood plain where the Cannonball River and Cantapeta Creek meet the Missouri River and Lake Oahe.
An estimated 700 to 1,000 people remain in the camp, which has semi-permanent and temporary structures, outhouses, kitchens and meeting lodges.
U.S. Geological Survey records from the nearest Cannonball River gauging station at Breien show the encampment area has been underwater 10 times in the past seven decades.
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Information from: Bismarck Tribune, https://www.bismarcktribune.com
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