YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – With temperatures forecast into the 60s and 70s into the weekend the snow melt will accelerate, and rivers will rise.

Jay Gilbertson, manager of the East Dakota Water Development District, says the Big Sioux River has been full and running high all winter.

Gilbertson says the soil is also saturated in the drainage basin.

Gilbertson says the hope is for a slow melt and no additional rain or snow.

The river gauge near Brookings shows the Big Sioux River rising to moderate flood stage by Sunday.

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