Riverwatch: June 2011 was highest single month of runoff in Missouri River Basin since 1898

by US Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District on Friday, July 1, 2011 at 6:59pm

Omaha, Neb. — Runoff into the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa during the month of June was the highest single runoff month since 1898.

June 2011 runoff into the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City was 13.8 million acre feet. The previous record was 13.2 maf in April of 1952.

The May 2011 runoff into the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City was 10.5 maf. This is the third highest single month runoff since 1898.

The May and June combined runoff totaled 24.3 maf, just short of the normal total annual runoff for the entire basin which is 24.8 maf.

For general questions regarding our flood response information efforts, please call (402) 996-3877, (877) 214-9110 or e-mail us at MRJIC@usace.army.mil.

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You can also find flood inundation maps and local emergency management contact information on our social media sites as well as our district Web site at http://www.nwo.usace.army.mil.

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Riverwatch: Governor Daugaard Asks for Individual Assistance for Flood Damage

PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Dennis Daugaard has requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration to help South Dakotans whose homes and businesses have been damaged by widespread spring flooding.

The request is for the Individual Assistance program from FEMA. If the President approves the declaration request, FEMA can offer a range of programs designed to help state residents who have been impacted by the flooding.

In a letter to FEMA, Governor Daugaard noted that South Dakota experienced a record seven Presidential Disaster Declarations in 2010 and was suffering the effects of record Missouri River flooding this year. The record river levels forced thousands to evacuate their homes, impacted vast amounts of farmland and left entire communities “shell-shocked and demoralized,’’ the Governor said.

“Since this disaster is going to be a prolonged event, assistance is needed for individuals and businesses to help them recover once the flooding subsides,’’ Governor Daugaard said. “I am specifically requesting Individual Assistance programs including the individuals and households program, crisis counseling, disaster unemployment assistance and disaster legal services. I am also requesting that Small Business Administration disaster loans be made available.’’

Federal, state and local teams assessed the extent and severity of damage to homes and businesses in 11 counties beginning June 27. Based on those assessments, Governor Daugaard determined that a request for Individual Assistance programs was justified. The governor’s request does not guarantee federal funding will be made available to South Dakota. South Dakota last received an Individual Assistance declaration in 2007.

Counties included in the request are Charles Mix, Clay, Day, Hamlin, Hand, Hughes, Kingsbury, Lyman, Stanley, Union and Yankton.