PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (SD) Dakota WSC Flooding

Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2019 14:03:50 EDT

Summary: USGS continues response to flooding in southeast SD.

USGS continues response to flooding in southeast SD.

Flooding continues from recent rainfalls and snowmelt in SD along the borders with NE and IA. Currently, there are 15 real-time streamgages near or above flood stage with additional non-recording gages expected to have high flow. Runoff has caused major flooding in the lower portions of the Big Sioux, Vermillion, and James River Basins. Seven gages are at major flood stage. The Big Sioux River above Hawarden, IA has exceeded POR. All gages are operational.

Blizzard conditions have ceased in the Dakotas, but many roads are still closed preventing additional resources from reaching flooded areas. Two USGS crews that were pre-staged in advance of the storm have made 9 high-flow measurements in the last two days (5 more scheduled for today). Staff will continue measuring through the weekend. Efforts to measure are being hindered by the presence of ice and flooded access roads. Many streamgages still impacted by the presence of ice with discharge not displayed to the public.

Stakeholders are being informed of our activities through updates to NWISWeb and use of NWSChat.