Des Lacs, ND Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Des Lacs, Ward County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Des Lacs?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 72 days in the Central and Southern Ward/Minot Area forecast zone and Ward County — the most common reported hazard around Des Lacs, mostly in July and June. Next come flash flooding (13 days) and flooding (10 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 72 | Jun 2026 | Jul 4, 2015 · $200,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 13 | Jun 2012 | Jun 22, 2011 · $5.0 million damage |
| Flooding | 10 | Apr 2023 | May 1, 2011 · $100 million damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 6 | Sep 2009 | Jun 24, 2006 · $125,000 damage |
| Dust storms | 1 | May 2026 | — |
| High winds | 1 | May 2026 | — |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, 1996–2026 (the latest year is partial). A "day" is a date with at least one report in the Central and Southern Ward/Minot Area forecast zone and Ward County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Des Lacs get?
A normal year brings about 55 inches of snow to Des Lacs, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Berthold weather station 8.7 miles away. The snowiest month is usually December (10.3 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 | 9.8 | 10.3 | 9.4 | 6.9 | 6.8 | 5.8 | 2.5 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Des Lacs?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMBX (Minot AFB, ND), about 33 miles east-northeast. Radar beams climb as they travel, so the height of the lowest scan over town decides how low in a storm the radar can see.
| Radar | Distance | Lowest beam over Des Lacs | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMBX Minot AFB, ND | 33 mi east-northeast | 2,100 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KBIS Bismarck, ND | 109 mi south-southeast | 11,000 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KMVX Grand Forks, ND | 203 mi east-southeast | 29,900 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
Beam height is the center of the 0.5° scan above the radar, with standard refraction. Mountains near a radar can block it further.
Tornado & hail history near Des Lacs
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 51 tornadoes within 25 miles of Des Lacs, 6 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in July and June. The strongest was an F2 on July 23, 1997, which touched down about 18 miles north-northwest of town and caused 1 death. The most recent was an EF0 on May 22, 2012, which touched down about 22 miles west-northwest of town.
Hail: 188 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 20 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.00-inch hail on August 18, 1995.
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center — tornadoes 1950–2025, hail 1955–2025. Distances are to each tornado's track; ratings before February 2007 use the original Fujita scale.
On TALON you get Des Lacs's live radar loop, rain/snow/ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks with arrival times and NWS warnings free; close-up radar and rotation detection are part of TALON Pro.
Des Lacs radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Des Lacs, ND?
KMBX (Minot AFB, ND), about 33 miles east-northeast. KBIS (Bismarck, ND) is 109 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Des Lacs?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Des Lacs the lowest scan from KMBX is about 2,100 ft up — excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground.
Is TALON's radar for Des Lacs free?
Yes — the US radar loop, rain/snow/ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and NWS warnings are free in any browser. Close-up radar, rotation detection and longer forecasts are part of TALON Pro.
Should I rely on radar for my safety?
No app replaces official warnings. When the National Weather Service issues a warning for Des Lacs, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Burlington, ND radar 7 mi
- Minot, ND radar 13 mi
- Surrey, ND radar 20 mi
- Velva, ND radar 32 mi
- Stanley, ND radar 39 mi
- Garrison, ND radar 42 mi
- New Town, ND radar 46 mi