In the spring of 2003, I went with the producer of South Dakota Focus (Stephanie Rissler) to Pierre. We got on a plane with the secretary of GF&P (Game, Fish & Parks) to get video of the Missouri River during a time of severe drought. The water was YARDS from boat ramps and docks. Intakes for community water systems were at dangerous levels. Nobody knew how long it would be before the river and lakes could return to a useable level.
Fortunately, it's been a couple years since we've been considered in a drought.
Now, the pendulum has swung the opposite direction. Boat docks have been removed and ramps will not be accessible due to too much water. Activity on the Missouri River, recreational or otherwise has been severely limited.
Montana had an epic rainfall, water down the Missouri River is already at substantial levels. Reservoirs are full, room needs to be made for the melting snow pack. Portions of South Dakota and regions downstream will flood. Pierre/Ft. Pierre, Yankton and the Dakota Dunes will be substantially most affected.
Tuesday SDPB had a staff meeting to discuss our coverage of this historical conflict. That night I and a co-worker were asked to head to Pierre the next morning to get video of preparations.
Residents of Pierre and Fort Pierre had been hard at work building levees and sandbag barriers around their homes and businesses.
Friday morning the US Army corps of Engineers began to open the gates to increase flow. Big Bend Dam at Fort Thompson typically only opens its gates for maintainance and checks. This is the first time that they've ever opened to release flood waters in its fifty year history.
Watch video that I recorded of the release for SDPB here.
I also visited with the operations manager, Keith Fink. Listen to a portion of his interview and see more Big Bend video here.
Oahe already was a spectacular sight, but continues to increase its power. Outflow will peak at 150,000 cubic feet per second on June 7.
People in Pierre are frustrated, but have gathered together wonderfully. They are hopeful that the levees will be sufficient, but have worked to prepare the worst. Everyone seems to have followed recommendations to evacuate to higher ground. Despite the grim nature of this situation, people maintain some humor.
Many houses have signs, "For Sale, Pool Included..." One home had boat oars outside with a sign, "Have oars, need boat."
Still, its hard to maintain enthusiasm when your house is surrounded by water. By Friday night and into Saturday morning, homes between Oahe and Fort Pierre were already inaccessible. That neighborhood had been without electricity for about a week. They were running generators and now were having trouble getting gasoline to their power units. When I stopped by at 9a.m., people had begun to use canoes, kayaks and amphibious vehicles. Plus, carp had already moved onto the block. Fish were flopping in the water while I was recording video.
Click here to view comments from a resident of the Frontier Road development.
For updates and coverage of the Missouri River flooding, follow SDPB online: www.sdpb.org/flood
Governor Dennis Daugaard
Thankfully, no lives have been lost. Officials say there have been a couple small injuries. Even if property is damaged, hopefully everyone can come out on the other side whole. Despite the hardship and frustration, Governor Daugaard and everyone that I visited with maintain a fighter's spirit. I hope that this sense of community endures after the river returns to its banks.
