SD DANR operates a network of stream gages to provide water quantity data to the public and water resource managers. Many of these gages are equipped with GOES technology that allows the data to be shared in real-time at the National Weather Service's Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service. Data from the network is used in the Big Sioux River Flood Information System to provide the public and emergency reponse managers in the Big Sioux River basin with up to date water level information. Network data is also used for Total Maximum Daily Load development, to provide water rights managers with water level data for making water rights determinations, and for recording the extent of flooding throughout the state.
To learn how, when, where, and why we collect data for the Statewide Lake Assessment program, scroll through the storymap below or view it in fullscreen here.