Flood in Beadle County, South Dakota

Major flooding of the James River, as well as flooding of small streams and lakes in the county, continued through April. Much farmland remained flooded, both near to and away from the James River. The James River was 7.3 feet above flood stage at Huron on April 1st, and fell very slowly during the month. Over 50 miles of roads remained closed by the flooding at the start of the month, including South Dakota Highway 28 in the eastern part of the county. Water was running over other roads, from flooded streams, creeks, and fields as well as from the James River. Many roads were heavily damaged. The damage to township and county roads alone was estimated near the end of April at 1.7 million dollars. Some homes and businesses were also flooded, with the flooding of these places slowly alleviating through the month. High water and groundwater levels from record precipitation in the year 2010, a main reason the flooding onset was so fast in March, was also a main reason that the flooding subsided so slowly during April.

Major flooding of the James River, other streams, lakes, and general flooding, which began with a rapid March snowmelt, continued through April. Water levels with the more general areal flooding were at the highest at the start of April. However, the fall of water levels was very slow, with damage from flooding reported through the month. Widespread flooding of farmland continued, also alleviating very slowly. Numerous roads remained flooded with heavy road damage being reported. High water and groundwater levels resulting from record precipitation in the previous year was the main reason that improvement was so slow.