High levels on lakes and rivers a concern heading into winter (Audio)
October 30, 2019
Mike Tanner
KWAT Radio News
WATERTOWN, S.D.—Lakes and rivers in northeast South Dakota are above full going into winter, and that has property owners and emergency managers concerned about what next spring could bring in terms of flooding.
Codington County Emergency Manager Jim Sutton says Lake Kampeska is about 26 inches above full. Last week, when winds were gusting over 60 miles per hour, waves were up to four feet high, crashing into shorelines and structures.
Sutton says it’s pretty much a given that the lake will be above full going into winter….
The concern is what heavy snow this winter will mean come next spring, when the melt begins….
South Dakota has applied for five presidential disaster declarations already this year—the latest this week for tornado damage to Sioux Falls and flooding in the Madison and Mitchell areas.
