WPRD Weather Protocol

Weather-Related Operations & Notification Guidelines

Williston Parks & Recreation has created this document to provide official guidelines for operations under varying weather conditions. These guidelines establish clear procedures while allowing staff to exercise professional judgment. Decisions regarding program modifications, cancellations, or closures remain at the manager’s discretion.

Staff are expected to communicate updates promptly via Facebook and email.

Note: WPRD managers may override these guidelines based on situational judgment and safety concerns. This document is a living reference and is subject to periodic updates.

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Department-Specific Operational Notification Guidelines

WPRD Programs and Events

  • Notifications will be shared via Facebook and email one hour prior to the scheduled start time unless cancellation criteria are met.

Aquatics Department

  • Notifications will be shared via Facebook two hours prior to opening unless closure criteria are met.

ARC Fitness

  • Notifications will be shared via Facebook two hours prior to classes unless cancellation criteria are met.

ARC Child Sitting

  • Notifications will be shared via Facebook two hours prior to opening unless closure criteria are met.

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Air Quality

Source: Williams County Emergency Management

Air Quality Index (AQI) Guidelines

  • 0–100 (Green): Proceed as normal
  • 101–140 (Yellow): Monitor conditions, consider extra breaks, use caution
  • 141–170 (Orange): Move activities indoors if possible; otherwise cancel
    • Williston Water World:
      • Prior to 4:00pm: Relocate outdoor activities indoors
      • After 4:00pm: Pools will close for the day
  • 171+ (Red): Cancel all outdoor programs and events

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Rain, Lightning & Thunderstorms

Sources: Weather Channel App, WeatherBug App

Guidelines

  • Rain: Activities continue as normal unless staff determine fields are unsafe or in poor condition
  • Lightning within 10 miles (verified via WeatherBug):
    • Suspend all activities for 30 minutes
    • Programs with 45 minutes or less remaining will be canceled
    • The 30-minute timer resets with each new lightning notification
    • Activities may resume only after 30 consecutive minutes without lightning
  • Thunderstorms: Follow lightning protocol

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Temperature

Source: Weather Channel App (Zip Code: 58801)

Temperature Guidelines

  • 50–90°F (Green): Proceed as normal
  • 45–49°F | 91–95°F (Yellow): Monitor conditions and use caution
  • 40–44°F | 96–100°F (Orange): Consider modifications or move activities indoors
  • ≤39°F | ≥101°F (Red): Cancel or close all outdoor programs and events

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Wind

Source: Weather Channel App (Zip Code: 58801)

Wind Speed Guidelines

  • 0–30 mph (Green): Proceed as normal
  • 31–35 mph (Yellow): Caution advised
  • 36–40 mph (Orange): Consider modifications
  • 41+ mph (Red): Cancel all outdoor programs and events

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Winter Weather

Sources:

Note: The Williston Area Recreation Center (ARC) is a designated emergency shelter and will remain open unless conditions are extreme.

 

Williston Basin School District #7 Two-Hour School Delay

All WPRD Programs and Events

  • Will run as normal unless otherwise stated via email by the program coordinator

ARC Waterpark

  • Lap Swim and River Walk prior to 8:30am will be canceled

ARC Fitness

  • All group fitness classes and programs prior to 11:00am will be canceled

ARC Child Sitting

  • Will open two hours late at 10:30am instead of 8:30am

 

“Travel Not Advised” Issued Prior to Opening or Start Time

All WPRD Programs and Events

  • If in place one hour prior to start time, the program will be canceled

ARC Waterpark

  • Closed
    • Will open within one hour of advisory being lifted
    • If lifted after 3:00pm, the facility will remain closed for the day

ARC Fitness

  • Classes will be canceled if advisory is in place one hour prior to start time

ARC Child Sitting

  • Closed
    • Will open within one hour of advisory being lifted
    • If lifted after 3:00pm, Child Sitting will remain closed for the day

 

“Travel Not Advised” Issued During Operating Hours

All WPRD Programs and Events

  • Activities will cease as soon as practical
  • Staff will remain until all children are reunited with guardians

ARC Waterpark

  • Will close immediately and remain closed for the remainder of the day

ARC Fitness

  • Classes will cease as soon as practical
  • Updates on future classes will be posted to the website and Facebook

ARC Child Sitting

  • Parents will be notified immediately
  • No new children will be admitted
  • Facility will close after all children are picked up and remain closed for the day
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