Flooding in South Dakota, March 13 to 31, 2019

Name: Flooding in South Dakota, March 13 to 31, 2019
Start: 2019-03-13T02:00
End: 2019-03-31T23:59
Location: South Dakota

March 13 to 31, 2019 · NWS FSD · 50 events in 17 counties and zones

A historic flooding event unfolded as heavy rainfall drenched the area on March 13-14, 2019. With frozen and impervious ground, full and rapid runoff was maximized.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $2.2 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 50

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS FSD wrote it up.

A historic flooding event unfolded as heavy rainfall drenched the area on March 13-14, 2019. With frozen and impervious ground, full and rapid runoff was maximized. In addition to the rainfall, between 1 and 3 inches of snow water equivalent remained in the snow pack south of Interstate 90, with 3 to 6 inches of snow water equivalent north of Interstate 90. Fifteen river gage sites measured record stages around the area. Winds gusted to 50 to 70 mph at times, and colder air filtering into the system at the end of the storm produced a light accumulation of ice west of the James River and from 1 to 4 inches of snowfall in parts of southeast South Dakota.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Sioux Falls, SD wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Mar 12, 11:30 PM CST, 2 hours 30 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Mar 12, 11:30 PM CST, 2 hours 30 minutes before

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Hazardous weather outlook, Mar 12, 2:45 AM CST, 23 hours 15 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
345 AM CDT Tue Mar 12 2019

SDZ038-050-052-053-057>059-063-064-130845-
Beadle-Gregory-Jerauld-Sanborn-Brule-Aurora-Davison-Charles Mix-
Douglas-
345 AM CDT Tue Mar 12 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central South
Dakota, east central South Dakota, south central South Dakota,
and southeast South Dakota.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday

A very strong storm system will work onto the Plains today and
slowly work northeast through Thursday. This will bring a threat
for freezing rain late tonight into Wednesday morning. The threat
for snow and additional freezing rain will continue into
Wednesday night as north winds increase, with gusts to 60 mph
possible. The combination of wind gusts around 60 mph and either
freezing rain or snow will be very impactful. Please continue to
monitor the forecast, especially if you have travel plans on
Wednesday or Thursday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

IAZ001>003-012>014-020>022-031-032-MNZ071-072-080-081-089-090-097-
098-NEZ013-014-SDZ039-040-054>056-060>062-065>071-130845-
Lyon IA-Osceola-Dickinson-Sioux-O'Brien-Clay IA-Plymouth-Cherokee-
Buena Vista-Woodbury-Ida-Lincoln MN-Lyon MN-Murray-Cottonwood-
Nobles-Jackson-Pipestone-Rock-Dixon-Dakota-Kingsbury-Brookings-
Miner-Lake-Moody-Hanson-McCook-Minnehaha-Hutchinson-Turner-
Lincoln SD-Bon Homme-Yankton-Clay SD-Union-
345 AM CDT Tue Mar 12 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of northwest Iowa,
west central Iowa, southwest Minnesota, northeast Nebraska, east
central South Dakota, and southeast South Dakota.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday

Moderate to heavy rainfall will spread across the area on
Wednesday which could lead towards flooding of roads and rises in
local creeks, streams and rivers. Late Wednesday night into
Thursday morning very strong winds of 50 to 60 mph may also
combine with with rain and snow to create very hazardous
conditions. Confidence on the snow and wind Thursday is marginal
but if one to three inches of snow falls Thursday with wind gusts
around 60 mph highly dangerous conditions will be likely.

Now is a good time to prepare for the heavy rain by clearing
drains around homes and businesses as well as storm drains along
roads and highways. Please continue to monitor the forecast in
case the threat for wintry precipitation shifts east. Any travel
planned on Wednesday will be hampered by poor weather conditions,
especially in the afternoon and at night west of Interstate 29 and
Thursday could also prove to be a dangerous travel day.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

50 flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Flood, Union

When: March 13, 2:00 AM CST to March 17, 3:00 PM CST
Where: Union County, 1.47 mi SSW of Spink to 1.52 mi SW of Richland
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.830, -96.740

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.46 inches 6 miles north northeast of Elk Point) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural lands and inundation of numerous county and township roads, as well as a brief period with water overrunning State Highway 50 near the intersection with State Highway 11. Brule Creek near Richland (gage site BCKS2) reached the highest stage on record cresting 9.9 feet above flood stage on March 15.

Flood, Minnehaha

When: March 13, 1:00 PM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Minnehaha County, 1.5 mi W of South Sioux Falls to 0.85 mi SSW of South Sioux Falls
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: $1.4 million
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.520, -96.780

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.74 inches at Hartford, 2.25 inches at Colton, and 2.49 inches at Sioux Falls) resulted in extensive flooding of the Sioux Falls park system near the natural channel of the Big Sioux River around the southern side of Sioux Falls. Water, and the broken ice cover from the river system, caused extensive damage to city property with numerous bridges and buildings completely destroyed, equipment damaged, and miles of bike trail washed out. Around 80 homes were inundated by floodwater with evacuation of 17 residents and their pets, as water reached the highest levels since construction of the homes. Water filled the tunnel on 57th Street under Interstate 229, flowed onto several portions of Interstate 229, and over 26th Street east of Interstate 229 and Cliff Avenue south of I-229. The Big Sioux River at Western Avenue (gage site WAVS2) reached the highest stage on record cresting 9.15 feet above flood stage on March 14. The river remained at minor flood stage at the end of the month. Property damage costs are rough estimates.

Flood, Lincoln

When: March 13, 1:00 PM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Lincoln County, 2.57 mi SW of Sioux Falls to 2.14 mi SSW of Sioux Falls
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.500, -96.760

Flood, Minnehaha

When: March 13, 2:00 PM CST to March 31, 8:00 PM CST
Where: Minnehaha County, 5.22 mi NNE of Sherman to 2.36 mi N of Sherman
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.843, -96.453

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.11 inches near Garretson and 1.70 inches at Pipestone) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands. 250th Street along the Minnesota/South Dakota border was flooded for numerous days. Split Rock Creek below Jasper (gage site JSPM5) reached the fourth highest stage on record cresting 4.53 feet above flood stage on March 18.

Flood, Minnehaha

When: March 13, 2:10 PM CST to March 22, 11:30 AM CST
Where: Minnehaha County, 1.71 mi SE of Lyons to 2.13 mi SSW of Lyons
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.700, -96.850

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.01 inches 2 miles north of Chester and 2.74 inches at Hartford) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural land in the flood plain, and inundated portions of 259th St. near the gage. Willow Creek near Crooks (gage site WCCS2) reached the highest crest on record at 3.4 feet above flood stage on March 14.

Flood, Hutchinson

When: March 13, 3:00 PM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Hutchinson County, 3.15 mi SSE of Milltown to 2.89 mi S of Olivet
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.380, -97.770

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.97 inches 11 miles south of Emery and 2.79 inches at Menno) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural lands and inundation of numerous roads (including state highway 44 south of Milltown). A few farm buildings along the river stretch were also flooded. The James River at Scotland (gage site SCOS2) reached major flood stage cresting 5.95 feet above flood stage on March 15. A secondary crest of 5.51 feet above flood stage occurred on March 26. Major flooding continued at the end of the month.

Flood, Bon Homme

When: March 13, 3:00 PM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Bon Homme County, 2.49 mi ENE of Scotland to 4.84 mi E of Scotland
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.169, -97.688

Flood, Yankton

When: March 13, 3:00 PM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Yankton County, 9.25 mi WNW of Jamesville to 4.79 mi NNW of Lesterville
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.169, -97.638

Flood, Turner

When: March 13, 3:00 PM CST to March 23, 8:30 AM CST
Where: Turner County, 4.01 mi E of Dolton to 2.13 mi NW of Marion
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.500, -97.300

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.80 inches at Marion and 3.06 inches 7 miles west southwest of Parker) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural lands and inundation of numerous county and township roads (including 456th Avenue and 276th Street east of Parker). Flood water inundated areas of Thunder Valley drag strip. The West Fork of the Vermillion River near Parker (gage site PKRS2) reached major flood stage cresting 3.9 feet above flood stage on March 14, the second highest crest on record. Several lesser crests occurred occurred through March 18.

Flood, Minnehaha

When: March 13, 3:00 PM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Minnehaha County, 2.6 mi WNW of Brandon to 3 mi W of Brandon
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.590, -96.650

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.74 inches at Hartford, 2.44 inches near Renner, 2.25 inches at Colton, and 2.49 inches at Sioux Falls) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural land and recreational areas near Brandon. The Big Sioux River near Brandon (gage site BBSS2) reached the highest crest on record at 6.85 feet above flood stage on March 15. The river fell back to minor flood stage on March 15, but would rise back to major flood stage and crest 6.58 feet above flood stage on March 26 due to water routed from upstream melting. The river remained in major flood stage at the end of the month.

Flood, Lincoln

When: March 13, 3:00 PM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Lincoln County, 2.47 mi NNE of Shindler to 3.28 mi SSE of Shindler
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.500, -96.623

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.74 inches at Hartford, 2.44 inches near Renner, 2.25 inches at Colton and 2.49 inches at Sioux Falls) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural land and recreational areas near Brandon. The Big Sioux River near Brandon (gage site BBSS2) reached the highest crest on record at 6.85 feet above flood stage on March 15. The river fell back to minor flood stage on March 15, but would rise back to major flood stage and crest 6.58 feet above flood stage on March 26 due to water routed from upstream melting. The river remained in major flood stage at the end of the month.

Flood, Bon Homme

When: March 13, 3:30 PM CST to March 19, 3:00 AM CST
Where: Bon Homme County, 3.66 mi ENE of Running Water to 3.46 mi SSW of Springfield
Cause: Dam / Levee Break
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.791, -97.914

While there was some contribution from rainfall (2.60 inches 8 miles west northwest of Springfield and 2.71 inches at Tyndall) and snow melt, the crest severity along the Missouri River had at least a partial contribution from an uncontrolled release with the failure of Spencer Dam along the Niobrara River in Nebraska during the evening of March 13. The highest crest on record resulted, as the Missouri River at Springfield (gage site SPGS2) crested 7.67 feet above flood stage on March 14, inundating the golf course in Springfield as well as many river bottom roads and recreational areas.

Flood, Union

When: March 13, 3:30 PM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Union County, 1.71 mi SE of Big Spgs to 3.43 mi NW of Richland
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.910, -96.580

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.12 inches at Hawarden and 1.75 inches at Akron) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural land in the flood plain. South Dakota Highway 50 and 48 were both inundated by water for over two weeks, along with the bridge east of Jefferson. The Big Sioux River near Akron (gage site AKRI4) reached the second highest crest on record at 7.82 feet above flood stage on March 16. The river remained in moderate flood stage at the end of the month.

Flood, McCook

When: March 13, 4:45 PM CST to March 22, 11:00 PM CST
Where: McCook County, 4.24 mi ESE of Canistota to 7.62 mi SE of Canistota
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.580, -97.220

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 3.13 inches at Bridgewater and 2.75 inches at Montrose) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural lands and inundation of numerous county and township roads (including bridges on 455th and 456th Avenue east of Parker). The East Fork of the Vermillion River near Parker (gage site VRPS2) reached the highest stage on record cresting 4.09 feet above flood stage on March 14.

Flood, Turner

When: March 13, 4:45 PM CST to March 22, 11:00 PM CST
Where: Turner County, 1.65 mi NNE of Monroe to 4.74 mi NE of Monroe
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.500, -97.202

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 3.13 inches at Bridgewater and 2.75 inches at Montrose) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural lands and inundation of numerous county and township roads (including bridges on 455th and 456th Avenue east of Parker). Water briefly flowed across State Highway 19 east of Parker. The East Fork of the Vermillion River near Parker (gage site VRPS2) reached the highest stage on record cresting 4.09 feet above flood stage on March 14.

Flood, Union

When: March 13, 5:30 PM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Union County, 6.93 mi NE of Alcester to 10.2 mi SE of Big Spgs
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.080, -96.540

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.12 inches at Hawarden and 1.75 inches at Canton) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural land in the flood plain. Iowa Highway 10 and South Dakota Highway 46 were both inundated by water, along with access from County Road 13 west of Hawarden. The Big Sioux River above Hawarden (gage site HWDI4) reached the highest crest on record at 14.8 feet above flood stage on March 15. The river remained in moderate flood stage at the end of the month.

Flood, Yankton

When: March 13, 5:45 PM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Yankton County, 1.71 mi SW of Jamesville to 2.02 mi E of Utica
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.080, -97.500

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.99 inches near Yankton and 2.79 inches at Menno) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural lands and inundation of numerous roads, including SW Jim River Road. The James River at Yankton (gage site YNNS2) reached major flood stage cresting 7.96 feet above flood stage on March 16. A secondary crest of 7.71 feet above flood stage occurred on March 27. Major flooding continued at the end of the month.

Flood, Lincoln

When: March 13, 6:00 PM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Lincoln County, 6.66 mi NNW of Hudson to 6.64 mi NNW of Hudson
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.218, -96.524

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.75 inches at Canton and 2.19 inches near Harrisburg) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural land in the flood plain. The Big Sioux River at Fairview (gage site FVWS2) reached the highest crest on record at 10.63 feet above flood stage on March 15. The river remained in minor flood stage at the end of the month.

Flood, Charles Mix

When: March 13, 7:45 PM CST to 10:00 PM CST
Where: Charles Mix County, 7.19 mi NNE of Platte Muni Arpt to 9.85 mi S of Academy
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.500, -98.780

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.80 inches 5 miles west of Geddes) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands, as Platte Creek at Platte (gage site PCPS2) crested at 0.3 feet above flood stage on March 13.

Flood, Minnehaha

When: March 13, 9:15 PM CST to March 25, 11:00 PM CST
Where: Minnehaha County, 2 mi W of Garretson to 1 mi NW of Corson
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.720, -96.540

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 3.07 inches 14 miles north northeast of Sioux Falls and 2.11 inches near Garretson) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands. State Highway 11 was barricaded due to water over the road near the confluence with Beaver Creek. Split Rock Creek at Corson (gage site COSS2) reached the tenth highest stage on record cresting 4.42 feet above flood stage on March 14.

Flood, Minnehaha

When: March 13, 10:00 PM CST to March 15, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Minnehaha County, 1.71 mi SE of Hartford to 2.81 mi W of Ellis
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.610, -96.930

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.74 inches near Hartford and 2.57 inches 3 miles west southwest of Sioux Falls) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural land in the flood plain. Extensive damage to city parks on the west side of Sioux Falls occurred, including destruction of a pedestrian bridge at Dunham Park. West 12th Street was covered by several feet of water from the creek westward to near Sertoma Avenue. Numerous water rescues were required in residential areas near the gaging site, with as many as 11 residents evacuated from flooded areas. Skunk Creek at Sioux Falls (gage site SIFS2) reached the highest crest on record at 6.57 feet above flood stage on March 14. Property damage costs are rough estimates.

Flood, Charles Mix

When: March 13, 11:00 PM CST to March 15, 1:00 AM CST
Where: Charles Mix County, 4.59 mi SE of Greenwood to 4.11 mi ESE of Greenwood
Cause: Dam / Levee Break
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.882, -98.306

While there was some contribution from rainfall (2.90 inches near Wagner) and snow melt, the crest severity along the Missouri River had at least a partial contribution from backwater flow from an uncontrolled release with the failure of Spencer Dam along the Niobrara River in Nebraska during the evening of March 13. A home south of Dante along River Bottom Road was surrounded by water. Major flooding resulted, as the Missouri River at Verdel (gage site MRVN1) crested second highest on record at 2.6 feet above flood stage on March 14.

Flood, Bon Homme

When: March 13, 11:00 PM CST to March 15, 1:00 AM CST
Where: Bon Homme County, 6.29 mi W of Perkins to 4.55 mi WSW of Perkins
Cause: Dam / Levee Break
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.855, -98.142

While there was some contribution from rainfall (2.90 inches near Wagner) and snow melt, the crest severity along the Missouri River had at least a partial contribution from backwater flow from an uncontrolled release with the failure of Spencer Dam along the Niobrara River in Nebraska during the evening of March 13. Several permanent homes were surrounded by water. Major flooding resulted, as the Missouri River at Verdel (gage site MRVN1) crested second highest on record at 2.6 feet above flood stage on March 14.

Flood, Turner

When: March 14, 1:00 AM CST to March 28, 8:00 AM CST
Where: Turner County, 3.33 mi WSW of Centerville to 2.05 mi SW of Centerville
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.100, -97.030

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 3.06 inches 7 miles west southwest of Parker and 2.80 inches at Marion) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural lands and inundation of numerous county and township roads (as well as overtopping State Highway 19 just south of Centerville March 15-18). The Vermillion River near Wakonda (gage site WKAS2) reached the highest stage on record cresting 3.7 feet above flood stage on March 17.

Flood, Clay

When: March 14, 1:00 AM CST to March 28, 8:00 AM CST
Where: Clay County, 5.59 mi NE of Wakonda to 8.36 mi ESE of Wakonda
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.084, -97.031

Flood, Minnehaha

When: March 14, 1:15 AM CST to March 26, 2:00 AM CST
Where: Minnehaha County, 2.5 mi W of Lyons to 1.5 mi N of Hartford
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.720, -96.920

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.74 inches near Hartford) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural land in the flood plain. State Highway 38 east of Hartford was submerged several times at varying degrees during the period from March 14 to March 23. Skunk Creek near Hartford (gage site HTFS2) reached the highest crest on record at 3.29 feet above flood stage on March 14.

Flood, Bon Homme

When: March 14, 2:00 AM CST to March 17, 9:00 AM CST
Where: Bon Homme County, 2.51 mi ENE of Springfield to 2.9 mi ESE of Bon Homme Colony
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.869, -97.838

Heavy rainfall (2.60 inches 8 miles west northwest of Springfield and 2.71 inches at Tyndall) and snow melt was the primary contributor to the flooding along Lewis and Clark Reservoir; however, the final level of crest had at least a partial contribution from an uncontrolled release with the failure of Spencer Dam along the Niobrara River in Nebraska during the evening of March 13. The highest crest on record resulted, as the Missouri River at Gavins Point Dam (gage site GPDN1) crested 2.02 feet above flood stage on March 15.

Flood, Yankton

When: March 14, 2:00 AM CST to March 17, 9:00 AM CST
Where: Yankton County, 10.46 mi SW of Utica to 4.11 mi SW of Lesterville
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.880, -97.635

Flood, Lincoln

When: March 14, 2:00 AM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Lincoln County, 4.2 mi N of Canton Muni Arpt to 4.98 mi N of Canton
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.380, -96.557

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.75 inches at Canton and 2.19 inches near Harrisburg) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural land in the flood plain. An operational railroad bridge was completely washed out by flood waters. The Big Sioux River above Canton (gage site CBSS2) reached the third highest crest on record at 9.68 feet above flood stage on March 15. The river remained in major flood stage at the end of the month.

Flood, Union

When: March 14, 2:00 AM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Union County, 0.86 mi NW of Richland to 0.37 mi NNE of Elk Pt
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.780, -96.640

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.12 inches at Hawarden and 1.75 inches at Akron) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural land in the flood plain. South Dakota Highway 50 and Iowa Highway 3 were both inundated by water for numerous days, with several farm buildings engulfed in flood waters. The Big Sioux River near Richland (gage site BSRS2) reached the second highest crest on record at 7.5 feet above flood stage on March 16. The river remained in moderate flood stage at the end of the month.

Flood, Sanborn

When: March 14, 3:00 AM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Sanborn County, 2.13 mi NNE of Letcher to 6.28 mi SSE of Letcher
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.930, -98.120

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.47 inches at Forestburg and 2.25 inches at Mitchell) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands and inundation of numerous county roads (including 257th St. near the gage site and 1st Avenue and 416th Avenue near Rosedale Colony). The James River at Mitchell (gage site JRMS2) reached major flood stage and the 5th highest crest on record to date, 6.6 feet above flood stage on March 25. Flooding continued at the end of the month.

Flood, Davison

When: March 14, 3:00 AM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Davison County, 4.92 mi N of Loomis to 6.39 mi S of Ethan
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.851, -98.092

Flood, Hanson

When: March 14, 3:00 AM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Hanson County, 4.22 mi NW of Plano to 3.78 mi W of Rockport
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.851, -97.967

Flood, Hutchinson

When: March 14, 3:00 AM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Hutchinson County, 2.41 mi NE of Dimock to 5.37 mi SSE of Milltown
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.499, -97.953

Flood, Minnehaha

When: March 14, 4:00 AM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Minnehaha County, 3.14 mi NNW of Renner to 2.94 mi SW of Renner
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.690, -96.760

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.01 inches 7 miles west of Garretson, 2.25 inches at Colton and 2.49 inches at Sioux Falls) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural lands and inundation of county and township roads north of Sioux Falls. The Big Sioux River at Sioux Falls I-90 (gage site SFLS2) reached the second highest stage on record cresting 4.92 feet above flood stage on March 26. The river remained at moderate flood stage at the end of the month.

Flood, Turner

When: March 14, 5:00 AM CST to March 26, 8:00 AM CST
Where: Turner County, 1.51 mi E of Parker to 3.66 mi WSW of Centerville
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.400, -97.100

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 3.06 inches 7 miles west southwest of Parker and 2.80 inches at Marion) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural lands and inundation of numerous county and township roads (as well as overtopping U.S. Highway 18 just west of Davis on March 14-15). The Vermillion River near Davis (gage site DVSS2) reached the second highest stage on record cresting 5.2 feet above flood stage on March 15.

Flood, Lincoln

When: March 14, 5:00 AM CST to March 26, 8:00 AM CST
Where: Lincoln County, 7.06 mi SW of Lennox Skie Arpt to 8.82 mi SSW of Lennox Skie Arpt
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.224, -96.924

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 3.06 inches 7 miles west southwest of Parker and 2.80 inches at Marion) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural lands and inundation of numerous county and township roads (as well as overtopping U.S. Highway 18 just west of Davis on March 14-15). The Vermillion River near Davis (gage site DVSS2) reached the second highest stage on record cresting 5.2 feet above flood stage on March 15.

Flood, Minnehaha

When: March 14, 7:15 AM CST to March 15, 10:45 AM CST
Where: Minnehaha County, 1.38 mi S of Norton Acres to Norton Acres
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.560, -96.720

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.74 inches at Hartford, 2.25 inches at Colton and 2.49 inches at Sioux Falls) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural land downstream of Sioux Falls. The Big Sioux River at Sioux Falls North Cliff Avenue (gage site SXFS2) reached a crest 4.97 feet above flood stage on March 15. The river would crest again later in the month due to water routed from upstream melting (separate entry).

Flood, Union

When: March 15, 3:00 AM CST to March 18, 9:00 AM CST
Where: Union County, 4.91 mi WSW of Elk Pt to 9.44 mi SW of Elk Pt
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.662, -96.763

Heavy rainfall (2.68 inches at Vermillion) and snow melt brought the Missouri River at Ponca (gage site MRPN1) to a crest 1.3 feet above flood stage on March 17.

Flood, Brookings

When: March 15, 3:00 AM CST to March 28, 9:00 PM CST
Where: Brookings County, 2.47 mi W of White to 1.47 mi NNE of (Bkx)brookings Muni
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 44.430, -96.700

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.95 inches at Brookings and 1.69 inches near Bruce) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural lands and inundation of numerous city and township roads on the north and west side of Brookings. Sixmile Creek above Brookings (gage site SMCS2) reached the highest stage on record cresting 1.57 feet above flood stage on March 28. A second crest occurred earlier on March 17 at 1.05 feet above flood stage.

Flood, Union

When: March 15, 1:30 PM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Union County, 4.11 mi SE of Elk Pt to 5.04 mi N of Mc Cook Lake
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.640, -96.610

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.46 inches 6 miles north northeast of Elk Point and 1.75 inches at Akron) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural land in the flood plain. The Big Sioux River near Jefferson (gage site BSJS2) reached the highest crest on record at 9.4 feet above flood stage on March 16. The river remained in minor flood stage at the end of the month.

Flood, Clay

When: March 15, 10:45 PM CST to March 25, 5:45 PM CST
Where: Clay County, 1.47 mi SSE of Westerville to 2.94 mi SW of Davidson Arpt
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.910, -97.010

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.68 inches at Vermillion and 1.61 inches 5 miles southeast of Centerville) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural lands and inundation of numerous county and township roads (as well as overtopping bridges on University Road, North Crawford Road and 312th Street). The Vermillion River at Vermillion (gage site VERS2) reached the second highest stage on record cresting 8.88 feet above flood stage on March 16.

Flood, Union

When: March 16, 6:00 AM CST to March 19, 8:00 AM CST
Where: Union County, 2.12 mi NNW of Mc Cook Lake to 2.07 mi SSW of North Sioux City
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.560, -96.509

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.46 inches 6 miles north northeast of Elk Point and 1.60 inches 2 miles northwest of Jefferson) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural land in the flood plain. The Big Sioux River at Sioux City (gage site SXCI4) reached the second highest crest on record at 5.42 feet above flood stage on March 17.

Flood, Aurora

When: March 16, 4:15 PM CST to March 30, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Aurora County, 7.67 mi N of Plankinton to 4.91 mi ENE of Plankinton
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: $600,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.830, -98.500

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.80 inches at White Lake) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands and inundation of county roads as Firesteel Creek near Mount Vernon (gage site MTVS2) reached moderate flood stage, cresting 6.44 feet above flood stage on March 22.

Flood, Davison

When: March 16, 4:15 PM CST to March 30, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Davison County, 9.09 mi NNW of Mt Vernon to 6.53 mi WNW of Mt Vernon
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.840, -98.325

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.80 inches at White Lake) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands and inundation of county roads (overtopped the bridge on 404th Avenue) as Firesteel Creek near Mount Vernon (gage site MTVS2) reached moderate flood stage, cresting 6.44 feet above flood stage on March 22.

Flood, Minnehaha

When: March 16, 5:00 PM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Minnehaha County, 1 mi W of Dell Rapids to 0.69 mi NNW of Baltic
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.820, -96.740

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.01 inches 7 miles west of Garretson and 2.25 inches at Colton) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural lands and inundation of city and township roads in and near Dell Rapids, Baltic and Renner. The Big Sioux River near Dell Rapids (gage site DERS2) reached the 4th highest stage on record cresting 4.92 feet above flood stage on March 24. The river remained at moderate flood stage at the end of the month.

Flood, Minnehaha

When: March 16, 7:00 PM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Minnehaha County, 4.06 mi SSW of Trent to 3.72 mi SSW of Trent
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.848, -96.688

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.01 inches 7 miles west of Garretson and 2.25 inches at Colton) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural lands and inundation of city and township roads in and near Dell Rapids as well as the baseball fields. The Big Sioux River above Dell Rapids (gage site DRBS2) reached the highest stage on record cresting 6.53 feet above flood stage on March 24. The river remained at moderate flood stage at the end of the month.

Flood, Lake

When: March 18, 2:00 AM CST to March 19, 11:15 AM CST
Where: Lake County, 2.85 mi WSW of Chester to 2.13 mi S of Chester
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.880, -96.980

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.01 inches 2 miles north of Chester) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural land in the flood plain. Skunk Creek near Chester (gage site SCCS2) reached the second highest crest on record at 0.2 feet above flood stage on March 18.

Flood, Moody

When: March 18, 2:00 AM CST to March 19, 11:15 AM CST
Where: Moody County, 5.93 mi SW of Colman to 8.31 mi SSW of Colman
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.910, -96.889

Flood, Minnehaha

When: March 18, 2:00 AM CST to March 19, 11:15 AM CST
Where: Minnehaha County, 1.31 mi NNE of Huntimer to 5.01 mi E of Huntimer
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.848, -96.923

What these are

Flood: Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in South Dakota in 2019 Every state in 2019 This day in weather history Warnings in South Dakota, March 2019

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-10-01. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 825516, 825813, 825834, 826525, 826491, 825448, 825453, 825455, 825487, 826220, 826221, 825401, 826409, 825488, 825489, 826261, 825478, 826254, 815792, 826528, 826490, 825391, 825397, 825492, 825493, 826477, 825406, 825407, 826246, 826434, 825439, 825441, 825442, 825443, 825624, 825490, 825491, 825832, 825409, 825515, and more.