While the Capital Journal remains dry behind earthen levees, some of the lower lying areas of Pierre and its parks are underwater. Two of the most popular hiking, biking and camping areas, La Framboise Island and Farm Island are inundated, as are riverfront parks were festivals, baseball, softball and other activities were frequently held. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is releasing 1.2 million gallons of water a second from the Oahe dam north of Pierre, the result of record rainfall and record snow melt. Pierre and Fort Pierre have not been flooded since the dam was built in the early 1960s. High water levels testing the hastily constructed levees are expected to continue until mid-August.
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Flood waters from the Missouri River fill the Farm Island campgrounds east of Pierre, S.D.. The Army Corps of Engineers increased releases from the Oahe Dam to 150,000 cubic feet of water per second on Tuesday. Photo by Chris Mangan, Capital Journal
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The Missouri River surrounds the American Legion cabin at the end of Pierre Street in Pierre, S.D.. The Army Corps of Engineers increased releases from the Oahe Dam to 150,000 cubic feet of water per second on Tuesday. Photo by Chris Mangan, Capital Journal
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