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UPDATE: Some residents around Lake Kampeska at an “extreme risk” of flooding

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UPDATE: Some residents around Lake Kampeska at an “extreme risk” of flooding
Katie Hansen

**NOON UPDATE***

Public Information Officer Troy VanDusen says the 500-block of South Lake Drive has now been closed for the placement of Hesco baskets at that location. They will remain in place through the duration of this high water event.

 

April 14, 2023

Mike Tanner

WATERTOWN, S.D.–City of Watertown and Codington County officials met again this morning and received an update from the National Weather Service (NWS) in Aberdeen.

The latest hydrology information indicates that the Big Sioux River will continue to recede over the next several days. It is estimated that the water level on the river dropped about one-foot since Thursday evening.

The NWS says there is a slight chance for precipitation to occur over the next few days. That additional precipitation could rapidly change those levels so officials are continuing to monitor gauges closely along the river for any changes.

Residents around Lake Kampeska are strongly urged to continue sandbagging around their property as heavy snowmelt from north of Watertown continues to raise the lake level and will throughout the next few days. The level will continue to rise through Saturday and into Sunday when it is projected to crest at 50.4 inches over full. As of 8:15am Friday morning, Lake Kampeska was three feet (36.12 inches) over full and is currently rising at a rate of 12-15 inches per day.

Residents who live in the following areas are at an extreme risk of flooding:

110-122 North Lake Drive
190-200 North Lake Drive
226-264 North Lake Drive
288-294 Arizona Avenue (All of Arizona Avenue)
314-318 North Lake Drive
406 -442 North Lake Drive
822-824 North Lake Drive
718 – 724 Dora Avenue
506-512 South Lake Drive
522-539 South Lake Drive
550-570 South Lake Drive
576-588 South Lake Drive
598-634 South Lake Drive
640-642 South Lake Drive
658-670 South Lake Drive
728 South Lake Drive

Lake residents should also be aware the Northwest winds of 30-40mph are expected beginning late Saturday morning into Sunday.

Homeowners whose homes are susceptible to flooding should plug sinks, cap off- floor drains, clean outs and all other connections to the sanitary sewer system to prevent floodwater from entering the system.

Residents who fail to do this could cause sewage back up to neighboring properties and their own.

Sandbag fill station locations have be added around the lake. They include:

Memorial Park – 1200 North Lake Drive
Sailboat Landing – 200 North Lake Drive
Jackson Park (South) – 336 South Lake Drive