🎯 Episode Summary
The weather’s heating up, and so is the conversation on today’s episode of Weather and Ag in Focus! Guest host Bill Hale returns for a stormy round two. Joining them is Brian Feuder from the Red River Retention Authority, with fascinating insights on flood control, the science of retention dams, and the surprising origins of the Red River's northward flow.
From glacial lakes to grocery giveaways, it’s a wild ride of weather, water management, and witty banter. Plus, a dramatic race against time to qualify for $10,000 in groceries adds an unexpected twist!
🕒 Key Moments & Timestamps
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0:00 – Welcome and Weather Tease
Dean opens the show, jokes about Bridget playing hooky, and previews upcoming severe weather chances.
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1:14 – Storm Watch: What’s Ahead This Week?
Forecast breakdown: storms Wednesday–Friday night with possible damaging winds and hail. Weekend highs hit the 90s.
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2:46 – Summer Pattern Outlook
The long-range forecast suggests a hot, dry start to July. LRC cycle explanation provided (41-day repeat patterns).
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5:06 – Special Guest Intro: Brian Feuder
Brian joins to explain the work of the Red River Retention Authority and its impact across ND & MN.
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6:42 – The Red River: Why It Flows North
Discover how glacial Lake Agassiz shaped the basin—and how the soil here is only 9,600 years old!
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10:06 – Flood Mitigation & The 1997 Comparison
Brian breaks down the progress made since the catastrophic 1997 flood and how retention projects help.
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14:35 – Trauma Centers & Flood Risk
Why keeping Fargo’s Level 1 trauma center open during floods is vital—and how the Maple River Dam helped in 2009.
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17:10 – 2025 Projects & Dam Statistics
Brian shares dam data: 59 total in the basin, 242,000 acre-feet of storage created. $75M needed for repairs.
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21:07 – Caller Mike Asks About Souris River
A listener questions Canadian damming and downstream flood issues—prompting a broader discussion on cross-border water management.
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23:10 – Water Policy & Possible Legislation
Dean and Brian explore the idea of reorganizing water resource districts by watershed, not counties.
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26:05 – Dam Aging & Safety Concerns
Many structures exceed their intended lifespan. One has already breached—urgent rehab needed.
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28:39 – Where to Reach Brian
📧 rrra@ideaone.net | ☎️ (701) 356-6644
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33:12 – The “Beer Question” 🍻
Can you buy beer with the grocery prize? Producer Addison speculates… and management might have to step in. 😂