Slow melt has been perfect scenario to reduce spring flood threat  (Audio)

March 9, 2020
Mike Tanner

WATERTOWN, S.D.—National Weather Service hydrologist Mike Gillispie says the snowmelt in eastern South Dakota over the past few weeks has been perfect for reducing the flood threat in the Big Sioux and James River basins….

That’s an ideal scenario, but Gillispie tells KWAT News that doesn’t mean it’s time to sound the “all clear”…….

Gillispie says the flood threat will stick around until at least late April…….

Until then, his advice to city officials worried about spring flooding is to “keep planning”……

Three weeks ago, Watertown’s snow depth was 20 inches. Today, it’s at nine inches.