Evaluation of Regional Climate Services in the Great Plains and Midwest

During the winter of 2010-11 La Nina conditions contributed to an exceptionally heavy and late-peaking snow pack in the mountains for the Missouri River Basin. The melt-off along with record extreme May rains in the upper basin led to major flooding on the Missouri River. With the potential for a similar climate set up the following winter-spring 2011-12 concern arose in the basin about a potential re-occurrence. This concern was heightened due to the loss and damage of much of the flood protection infrastructure that had been damaged. In response to the concern NOAA and the AASC began a regular webinar series to deliver current, historic and outlook information during the ensuing run-off season. With the advent of drought during the summer of 2012, the webinars were continued and broadened to include the entire north central U.S. An evaluation of the webinar series from regular attendees found overwhelming approval and usage of the webinar series. Decision-making impacts included attendees whose decisions of up to $1 million were influenced. The webinars have continued at least monthly since early 2012 delivering climate information including historic and current conditions via the National Center for Environmental Information, impacts and outlooks based on NOAA CPC outlooks and other regional products. Impact information comes from state climatologists, regional climate centers, NOAA/NWS, USACE, USDA, NDMC and other sources. Ongoing three question evaluations follow each of the monthly webinars have continued. This presentation will review the webinar results and talk about the information delivered for hydrologic extremes in the Missouri Basin.