Upper Missouri River Basin End User Engagement
In response to severe drought and flood events in the Upper Missouri River Basin (UMRB) between 2011 and 2019, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provided funding to improve water monitoring in the region. The UMRB Data Value Study, led by NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), is the assessment element of this multi-component, multi-agency project.
JG Research and Evaluation, LLC led the UMRB End User Engagement project as a component of the UMRB Data Value Study. The research team surveyed data users about data products generated by the new monitoring stations added to mesonets across five states (Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming) and tribal nations as part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-led UMRB network build out. The survey gauged interest in and current uses of soil moisture and snowpack data.
The project team surveyed 46 participants, interviewed 20 individuals, and used webinar poll data to better understand participants’ current and planned use of soil moisture and snowpack data from mesonet stations, including those associated with the UMRB network build-out. Survey respondents came from all five states in the basin. They represented sectors including agriculture; drought and flood management; conservation and wildlife management; recreation; energy; and water and land use planning. Respondents represented federal, state, and local agencies, non-profit organizations, private-sector firms, and individuals.
For more information, please contact Elise Osenga (elise.osenga@noaa.gov).
Research Snapshot
Kristal Jones, JG Research and Evaluation, LLC
Results of This Research
Many survey respondents indicated the importance of access to consistent, scientifically robust data sources and tools for monitoring soil moisture and snowpack.
- 50% of respondents classified soil moisture data “extremely valuable,” and an additional 32% classified soil moisture as “very valuable” to their work.
- Similarly, 82% of survey respondents identified snowpack data as either “extremely valuable” or “very valuable” to their work.
Examples of uses included:
- Agricultural producers use soil moisture and temperature data to decide when to plant crops.
- Local risk management agencies leverage snowpack data and flood forecasts to warn the public about possible flooding events.
- Federal scientists assimilate data to train or adjust models to characterize drought conditions.
Multiple respondents identified the value of soil moisture and snowpack data and tools, but the survey also revealed opportunities for more effective communication. Some respondents were not aware that in situ soil moisture and snowpack data were available for their region. Others requested improved or more broadly available interpretations of data.
Overall, survey results indicated many end users have a strong interest in soil moisture and snowpack information in the UMRB. Enhancing or refining the communication of hydrologic data would benefit users across economic, hazards, weather forecasting, water supply management, and agricultural sectors.
