SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - Deep frost from a brutally cold winter in the Dakotas is leading to an increase in basement flooding, water main breaks and bumps in the roads as the ground begins to thaw.
The National Weather Service in Bismarck, N.D. has recorded local frost depths of 49 inches and readings below 53 inches in the Williston area.
Weather Service hydrologist Allen Schlag says the deep freeze and thaw is unfolding as a significant issue with minor flooding in areas that didn’t have a significant snowpack.
In South Dakota, the ground froze down to near two feet in the Sioux Falls area and reached 30-40 inches moving north of Interstate 90.
Hydrologist Mike Gillispie says when soil is frozen, any snow melt or rain has a hard time finding someplace to go.
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