Flooding in South Dakota, March 20 to 28, 2019

Melting snow, combined with frozen ground, caused minor to moderate overland flooding. Water from the failed Hidden Timber Dam along Antelope Creek flooded several roads along Antelope Creek and the Keya Paha River. A rise of around one to two feet was noticed in the gage readings at Keyapaha. The runoff easily allowed for record levels on the Keya Paha River near Keyapaha, with flows further downstream near Wewela being the second highest on record.

Runoff from melting snow caused major flooding, which washed out numerous roads and flooded a few structures. The Little White River compromised roads in four locations. One section of road was washed completely away for a quarter of a mile, while another spot was washed out nine feet deep and 15 feet wide. The Little White River near Martin recorded its second highest flow, while near Vetal it tied its record crest at 12.53 feet and 3540 cfs.

Runoff from melting snow, combined with frozen culverts, caused flooding which covered numerous roads. Several areas of high water were reported by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, including 285th Street east of Prairie Hills and BIA 7 near Parmalee. Flooding along the Little White River and its tributaries covered several sections of BIA 5.

During the early morning of March 23, Hidden Timber Dam along Antelope Creek failed, most likely from being overtopped by the excessive runoff from melted snow on frozen ground. As the water made its way downstream, it flooded several roads along Antelope Creek and the Keya Paha River.