Multiple Factors Led to Reduced Big Sioux River Crest

There’s a huge sigh of relief from residents of North Sioux City and Dakota Dunes as the Big Sioux River crested lower than first forecast.

Lt. Governor Matt Michels said the river crested early Friday morning around 1 a.m.  Multiple reasons were given for the lower crest.  Forecasted rain never materialized in the Big Sioux River Basin, a portion of the river flowed over the top of the levee in Northern Union County and a levee breach near Akron, Iowa all led to the lower than forecast readings.

Good news on the south end is heartbreak to the north.  Many acres of farmland and some roads are now under water at the expense of the broken levee.

In addition, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is still reducing flow from Gavin’s Point Dam to allow the Big Sioux to release as much water as possible.