Trend continues for higher river flows

YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – Many rivers and streams in eastern South Dakota have been running at or above flood stage since early spring.

Galen Hoogestraat with the U.S. Geological Survey says that continues a trend of higher than normal flows.

Hoogestraat says changes in farm field drainage has contributed.

Hoogestraat says the timing of the river flows has changed over the decades, too.

The USGS monitors the Big Sioux, Vermillion and James River basins for those enhanced flows.