In North Dakota, for example. Who says nothing ever happens up there?

“Dear Mr. Derbyshire—Regarding your post on Lake Chad, I note that the enclosed basin of Devils Lake, North Dakota, has risen 25-plus feet since 1993, quadrupling in volume of water and causing many millions of dollars of damage. The flooding is known as the ‘slow motion disaster’ in North Dakota. Drainage projects to prevent even further flooding are under way, sparking a diplomatic dispute Canada (Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg are downstream).
“This map gives a good picture of various lake levels. The State Water Commission devotes extensive web resources to the lake’s hydrology and history. Just to say that disappearing lakes is not a problem in North Dakota. Not at the moment, anyway.”

[Derb] That’s a great relief, Sir. I shall resist the temptation to crack any North Dakota jokes. Having recently dissed the entire population of New Orleans, I am in no position to tick off a whole state. Even one where nobody lives and nothing ever happens.