JULY 26, 2024:
Governor Kristi Noem formally requested (July 26, 2024) a major disaster declaration from the President for 25 counties due to the severe flooding that occurred in South Dakota between June 16 and July 8, 2024. Governor Noem signed Executive Order 2024-06 declaring the disaster. According to the National Weather Service, the rain event that created this flooding was a 1,000-year event (see image included).
“Today, we are submitting our request for a presidential disaster declaration to address the damage from a historic 1,000-year flood that impacted South Dakota,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “We have been working with families, local governments and officials, and FEMA for weeks to assess the damage. I am so proud of what South Dakotans have been able to do to start piecing our communities back together.”
In the aftermath of the flooding, teams from the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have been on the ground conducting thorough damage assessments across the impacted areas, working closely to assess the extent of the damage and coordinate the necessary response efforts.
“This thorough damage assessment was normal protocol for a presidential disaster declaration, and it’s an important part of the process to make sure all eligible counties and citizens are included,” said Kristi Turman, Director of the Division of Emergency Services at the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.
During the flood, at least 11 river gauges hit new preliminary record-high levels. The Big Sioux River at Sioux City crested nearly eight feet higher than previous records. New record crests were set at the following locations:
- Big Sioux River at Canton, Hawarden, Akron, Richland, Jefferson, and Sioux City;
- Vermillion River at Davis, Wakonda, and Vermillion;
- West Fork Vermillion River at Parker; and
- Turkey Ridge Creek at Centerville.
The request for a presidential disaster declaration highlights a critical need in the following South Dakota counties: Aurora, Bennett, Bon Homme, Brule, Buffalo, Charles Mix, Clay, Davison, Douglas, Gregory, Hand, Hanson, Hutchinson, Jackson, Lake, Lincoln, McCook, Miner, Minnehaha, Moody, Sanborn, Tripp, Turner, Union, and Yankton.
JULY 23, 2024:
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) lifted (July 11, 2024) the no-wake zone has been lifted from Wall Lake in Minnehaha County.
The no-wake zone was put in place when the lake reopened as there was still high water conditions present.
Boaters are reminded to have and utilize life jackets, be aware of potential floating debris, and always have a sober driver operating the boat.
JULY 5, 2024:
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks has lifted the no-wake zone from Lake Campbell in Brookings County.
The no-wake zone had been enacted as the water levels were over the ordinary high-water mark and there was floating debris across the waterbody.
Boaters are reminded to have and utilize life jackets, be aware of potential floating debris, and always have a sober driver operating the boat.
JULY 2, 2024:
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) today announced the reopening of Wall Lake in Minnehaha County, which had been included on Governor Noem’s previous “no boating declaration.”
The lake will have a no-wake zone across the entire waterbody.
“The water is still high on the lake, which is why the entire lake will be a no-wake zone,” said Sam Schelhaas, Law Enforcement Chief. “We want to provide opportunity to enjoy the water, but also balance ensuring safety for users and protecting personal property.”
Boaters are reminded to be cautious for debris floating below the surface and respect the local homeowners by following the no-wake restriction.
“As we head into the holiday weekend safety remains a priority on every waterbody across the state,” continued Schelhaas. “We want to remind boaters to have and utilize life jackets, respect no-wake zones, be aware of potential floating debris, and always have a sober driver operating the boat.”
No boating remains in effect on McCook Lake in Union County, South Dakota.
Per the declaration, GFP Secretary Kevin Robling has been appointed as the Governor’s designee in order for him to add to, delete, or modify boating restrictions for any bodies of water similarly affected in South Dakota.
JULY 1, 2024:
he South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) today announced the reopening of Swan Lake in Turner County, which had been included on Governor Noem’s previous “no boating declaration.”
“The water continues to recede, and conditions are allowing us to lift the boating restriction on Swan Lake,” said Sam Schelhaas, Law Enforcement Chief. “Our staff continue to assess the other closed waterbodies daily, and when conditions allow they will be lifted as well.”
Boaters utilizing these waterbodies should use caution as there is debris still below the surface.
“We are hopeful we will be able to reopen Wall Lake and lift the no-wake on Lake Campbell in the coming days,” continued Schelhaas. “Safety continues to be the number one priority, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we have navigated through the process of evaluating and assessing water levels the last couple weeks.”
No boating remains in effect on the waters of:
- Wall Lake in Minnehaha County, and
- McCook Lake in Union County, South Dakota.
Per the declaration, GFP Secretary Kevin Robling has been appointed as the Governor’s designee in order for him to add to, delete, or modify boating restrictions for any bodies of water similarly affected in South Dakota.
JUNE 27, 2024:
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Department has reopened (June 27, 2024) two additional waterbodies in southeast South Dakota that had been included on Governor Noem’s previous “no boating declaration.”
Lake Alvin in Lincoln County and Lake Vermillion in McCook County have been removed from the declaration.
“The water levels at Lake Alvin and Lake Vermillion are nearly back to normal,” said Sam Schelhaas, Law Enforcement Chief. “Boaters may still find limited access to these waterbodies, but are able to utilize them again moving forward.”
Lake Alvin has an existing no-wake zone across the lake, while a portion of Lake Vermillion is also a no-wake zone. Boaters utilizing these waterbodies should use caution as there is debris still below the surface.
“We want to continue to remind boaters to be very cautious,” continued Schelhaas. “Safety needs to always be the number one priority every time you are out on the water.”
No boating remains in effect on the waters of:
- Swan Lake in Turner County,
- Wall Lake in Minnehaha County, and
- McCook Lake in Union County, South Dakota.
Per the declaration, GFP Secretary Kevin Robling has been appointed as the Governor’s designee in order for him to add to, delete, or modify boating restrictions for any bodies of water similarly affected in South Dakota.
JUNE 26, 2024:
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) today announced the reopening of three waterbodies in southeast South Dakota that had been included on Governor Noem’s previous “no boating declaration.”
Lake Henry in Bon Homme County, Menno Lake in Hutchinson County, and Marindahl Lake in Yankton County have all been removed from the declaration.
These waterbodies are all existing no-wake zones, and boaters utilizing these waterbodies should use caution as there is debris still below the surface.
“These three waterbodies are impoundments, which means they are generally going to drain quicker than a natural lake,” said Sam Schelhaas, Law Enforcement Chief. “We want to stress to boaters just because these waterbodies are open they need to still be very careful.”
No boating remains in effect on the waters of:
- Lake Alvin in Lincoln County,
- Swan Lake in Turner County,
- Wall Lake in Minnehaha County,
- Lake Vermillion in McCook County, and
- McCook Lake in Union County, South Dakota.
Per the declaration, GFP Secretary Kevin Robling has been appointed as the Governor’s designee in order for him to add to, delete, or modify boating restrictions for any bodies of water similarly affected in South Dakota.
JUNE 24, 2024:
Because of continued flood conditions, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department has added McCook Lake to its list of places where no boating is allowed in the southeastern part of the state.
Governor Kristi Noem’s “no boating declaration” is now in effect on the waters of:
- Lake Alvin in Lincoln County,
- Lake Henry in Bon Homme County,
- Marindahl Lake in Yankton County,
- Menno Lake in Hutchinson County,
- Swan Lake in Turner County,
- Wall Lake in Minnehaha County,
- Lake Vermillion in McCook County,
- McCook Lake in McCook County, South Dakota.
Per the declaration, GFP Secretary Kevin Robling has been appointed as the Governor’s designee in order for him to add to, delete, or modify boating restrictions for any bodies of water similarly affected in South Dakota. To get the more recent information, people should check the GFP Facebook page, as well as the individual local park Facebook pages.
No-Wake Zone Added to Lake Campbell
In addition to the above closed waterbodies, a no-wake zone has been added to Lake Campbell in Brookings County. The no-wake zone was enacted as the water levels are currently over the ordinary high-water mark and there is floating debris across the waterbody. The no-wake zone will protect public health, safety, and private property.
State Park Closures and Updates:
GFP park staff are currently working to maintain as much access to South Dakota State Parks as possible.
Beaver Creek Recreation Area is currently closed, as the county road to access the park is closed in both directions. The area will reopen once the road is able to be reopened.
The visitor center at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve is currently closed due to no power or water. Park staff are currently assessing forecast models and preparing for potential additional flooding.
Lake Herman State Park currently has standing water over the lower campground area. Park staff are working to notify incoming campers regarding their reservations. A small amount of water is currently over the entrance road, and visitors are encouraged to exercise caution when in the park.
Additional parks in southeast South Dakota also have some level of flooding occurring over trails and/or secondary roads. Visitors are encouraged to contact their local park office for any questions they may have regarding access to their favorite park.
Sertoma Park in Sioux Falls is currently closed to the public.
JUNE 23, 2024:
In order to protect public health, safety and private property, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has issued (June 22, 2024) a “no boating declaration” on the waters of:
- Lake Alvin in Lincoln County,
- Lake Henry in Bon Homme County,
- Marindahl Lake in Yankton County,
- Menno Lake in Hutchinson County,
- Swan Lake in Turner County,
- Wall Lake in Minnehaha County,
- Lake Vermillion in McCook County, South Dakota.
Noem’s declaration states, “This restriction shall be in full force and effect from this date forward until modified or removed by a subsequent declaration by the Office of the Governor, or by Kevin Robling, Secretary of the Department of Game, Fish and Parks, who I am hereby appointing as my designee in order to enable him to add to, delete or modify boating restrictions for any bodies of water similarly affected in South Dakota.”
