The South Dakota Flood Information System (SDFIS) is the result of a combined effort between state government and private industry to create a product that can be used to predict the impact of flood events. Currently the Big Sioux River and a portion of the Missouri River between Yankton and Sioux City, IA are included in the SDFIS. Work is in progress to add the James and Vermillion Rivers to the SDFIS.
New hydrologic and hydraulic models that more accurately reflect the hydrology of these river systems are the foundation of the SDFIS.
Using model information and LiDAR, thousands of inundation maps have been created and stored in a map library for retrieval on demand. The model runs include various scenarios that may be encountered during a flood event, such as breaching of levees and debris plugged bridges.
New streamgages have been installed on these rivers and key tributaries to help monitor real time river stages and predict maximum stages during a flood.
The new modeling and streamgages will help the National Weather Service and state and local officials more accurately predict river stages in a flood event. This information can be used to evaluate flood conditions and determine appropriate response actions.
In addition to enabling better response to flood events, the outcome of this project will help local governments and their citizens evaluate options for future development and changes in infrastructure.
Please direct questions about the SDFIS to info@sdfis.org.