Report: Climate change alters flow of Missouri River

Climate change in recent decades has been reflected in the Missouri River, where new flow patterns have harmed the industries that rely on it.

Changing patterns have caused water shortages in states like Montana and Wyoming, and flooding in the Dakotas, The Los Angeles Times reported.

{mosads}The 2,300-mile-long river provides water for agriculture, energy, recreation and more.

Areas near the river that have previously been dry are getting dryer, while wet areas are flooding more, the Times said.

Agriculture is one of the industries most affected by changes in the Missouri. In places like the Dakotas, too much water makes the soil too muddy to plant. But in Montana, farmers have to find new places to get water.

Tourism and recreation have also been hurt, the Times said.

One in nine Montana jobs is linked to tourism, and out-of-state residents spent $3.6 billion there last year. Fishing areas often have to close when river levels are too low.