Heavy snow in Black Hills causing flooding concerns

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) – Flooding is a top concern in the Black Hills this Memorial Day weekend after two days of heavy snow and rain.

National Weather Service meteorologist Katie Pojorlie says the Pactola Reservoir and Rapid Creek are already at high levels and rising after the lake received 25 inches of snow as of Wednesday.

Deadwood area recorded 20 inches of snow, Hill City received 17 inches and Custer had 15 inches. More than a foot of snow didn’t dissuade tourists from visiting Mount Rushmore.

The snow closed the Custer School District and Custer State Park’s visitors’ center, downed trees and caused power outages throughout the area.

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks spokesman Chris Hull tells the Rapid City Journal all state parks are expected to be open for Memorial Day weekend, but some individual campsites and trails may be closed.

AP-WF-05-24-19