MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Some of the stream and river gauges used to help forecasters predict flood conditions around the country could be discontinued as a result of automatic federal budget cuts that went into effect this month.

The U.S. Geological Survey says 11 of the roughly 100 stream gauges it operates in Minnesota could potentially be shut down due to budget cuts. Nationally, 375 of the 8,000 USGS-operated gauges are at risk.

USGS spokesman Dave Ozman says the agency doesn’t know the full impact of the cuts yet, or when might could be affected.

The gauges provide key information for the National Weather Service as it collects data to forecast potential flooding. National Weather Service hydrologist Diane Cooper says the USGS and the river gauges are her eyes in the field.

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