NWS Rapid City, SD - Climate Summaries > 2009 Annual Climate Summary

2009 Annual Climatic and Hydrologic Summary for Western South Dakota and Northeastern Wyoming

Temperature and Precipitation Summary

Temperatures averaged 1.2 degrees below normal for the region. Spearfish was the warm spot, averaging 1.2 degrees below normal. The cold spot was in Winner where temperatures averaged 3.3 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 112 percent of normal across the region, with record snowfall being reported at several locations for the 2008-2009 snow season. The average surplus for the year was 2.18 inches. Across western South Dakota the highest precipitation total was at Deadwood 2NE where 35.34 inches of precipitation fell. Ludlow 3SSE was the dry spot with only 12.10 inches. In northeastern Wyoming, Hulett was the wet spot with 21.58 inches, while Upton was the dry spot with 13.27 inches.

All-time annual record snowfall was recorded in Camp Crook with 135.0 inches of snow, Spearfish with 124.0 inches, Redig 11NE with 119.0 inches, Ft. Meade with 97.4 inches, Lemmon with 90.5 inches, National Weather Service in Rapid City with 90.2 inches, and Bison with 87.9 inches. (A detailed table on all records set in 2009 can be found below).

Click here for preliminary monthly precipitation totals for 2009.

Significant storms of 2009

Snowstorms of 2009

The first significant snowfall of 2009 occurred on January 14 -15 when 6 to 12 inches of snow fell over the northern Black Hills, and 3 to 6 inches in the northern foothills. Nearly two weeks later on January 23 - 26, a slow moving storm system in the central plains produced 6 to 12 inches of snow across southwestern South Dakota and in the southern Black Hills, and 3 to 6 inches of snow across south central South Dakota, southern Campbell County and in Weston County in northeast Wyoming.

Low pressure moved across eastern South Dakota on February 9 - 10 bringing 3 to 6 inches of snow to northwest South Dakota and the northern Black Hills. A few days later on February 12 - 13 a weak upper level storm system brought 2 to 5 inches of snow to southwest South Dakota, the southern Black Hills and southern Campbell and Weston counties in northeast Wyoming. Another upper level disturbance on February 20 brought 3 to 6 inches of snow to the northern Black Hills. Late in February, a strong upper level disturbance brought 8 to 15 inches of snow to Harding and Perkins counties in northwest South Dakota and 5 to 10 inches of snow across the northern portions of Crook County in northeast Wyoming. Another quick moving storm on February 27 brought 3 to 6 inches of snow to northwest South Dakota and northern portions of Campbell and Crook counties in northeast Wyoming.

The month of March saw three powerful snowstorms strike the region. On March 9 - 10 a strong storm brought 8 to 14 inches of snow to the northern Black Hills and northeast Wyoming, and 5 to 10 inches in the northern foothills. Across the plains of central and northwest South Dakota 3 to 6 inches of snow fell. On March 23 - 24, a powerful blizzard struck western South Dakota and northeast Wyoming. Snowfall averaged 30 to 40 inches over the northern Black Hills with 15 to 25 inches in the northern foothills. Southwest and south central South Dakota saw 5 to 10 inches of snow with 10 to 20 inches elsewhere on the plains of western South Dakota and northeast Wyoming. Winds of 40 to 50 mph with gust to 60 mph were common. The strongest wind gust occurred 7 miles southeast of Bison in Perkins County where winds gusted to 90 mph. A wind gust of 80 mph was reported at the Weather Service Office in Rapid City. On March 29 - 31, another powerful blizzard struck western South Dakota and northeast Wyoming. Snowfall averaged 25 to 35 inches over the northern Black Hills, and 15 to 25 inches across the northern foothills. Southwest and south central South Dakota saw 4 to 8 inches of snow with 6 to 16 inches elsewhere on the plains of western South Dakota and northeast Wyoming. Winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 45 mph were reported across the region.

On April 3 - 4, the third blizzard in two weeks struck western South Dakota and northeast Wyoming with 8 to 15 inches of snow falling over most of the area. Snowfall amounts of 4 to 8 inches were reported across southwest South Dakota, the southern Black Hills and across Weston County and southern Campbell County in northeast Wyoming. Winds of 25 to 35 mph were reported with gusts to near 45 mph. On April 25, a storm system moving through the Central Plains brought 4 to 8 inches of snow to far western South Dakota and the Bear Lodge Mountains, and 2 to 4 inches of snow to the plains of northeast Wyoming.

On October 1, a strong upper level storm system brought strong winds to the plains of western South Dakota and 2 to 4 inches of snow to the northern Black Hills and Bear Lodge Mountains. Winds of 35 to 45 mph with gusts to 60 mph were common on the plains. The strongest winds reported were 70 mph at Ellsworth AFB and 66 mph in downtown Rapid City. On October 4 – 5, another strong upper level storm system brought snow to the northern and central Black Hills, northeast Wyoming and far northwest South Dakota. In the northern and central Black Hills 4 to 8 inches of snow fell. In northwest South Dakota 2 to 5 inches of snow fell, while in northeast Wyoming 2 to 5 inches of snow fell in Crook County and in northern Campbell County. On October 7 – 8, another strong upper level storm system brought more snow to northeast Wyoming, the Black Hills and extreme southwest South Dakota. In the northern and central Black Hills 4 to 8 inches of snow fell. In southwest South Dakota 1 to 2 inches of snow fell, and 1 to 3 inches was reported across Crook County and northern Campbell County in northeast Wyoming. On October 11, a weak upper level storm system brought 2 to 5 inches of snow to northern Campbell County and northern Crook County in northeast Wyoming. On October 25, a weak upper level storm system brought 3 to 6 inches of snow to the northern Black Hills and Bear Lodge Mountains. On October 28 – 29, a strong upper level low pressure system brought snow to southwest South Dakota and heavy snow to the northern and central Black Hills, and northern foothills. In the northern and central Black Hills 8 to 15 inches of snow fell with locally heavier amounts around Lead and Deadwood. Lead reported 23.4 inches of snow and Deadwood reported 18.6. In the northern foothills 5 to 9 inches of snow fell. Across southwest South Dakota 4 to 6 inches of snow fell.

On December 2 – 3, an upper level disturbance brought 4 to 8 inches of snow to the northern Black Hills. On December 13, an upper level disturbance brought 2 to 4 inches of snow to the plains of southern and central South Dakota. On December 23, an upper level disturbance moved across the region bringing 3 to 6 inches of snow to the northern Black Hills and Bear Lodge Mountains. On the plains of western South Dakota and northeast Wyoming 1 to 3 inches of snow fell. On December 25 – 26, a deep upper low moved through Iowa and Minnesota bringing a record setting Christmas blizzard to the region. In the northern Black Hills and Bear Lodge Mountains 24 to 40 inches of snow fell. In the northern foothills 12 to 24 inches fell. Across the plains of western South Dakota 7 to 14 inches fell with some locally higher amounts near 20 inches. Over the southern and central Black Hills and across the plains of northeast Wyoming 3 to 6 inches fell. The highest snowfall totals were in Lead with 40.0 inches and Deadwood 2NE with 37.2 inches. The South Dakota plains also saw winds of 30-45 mph with gusts commonly over 60 mph. The highest wind gusts reported were 76 mph at the National Weather Service Office in Rapid City and 71 mph at the Rapid City Regional Airport.

2009 Severe Weather Summary

The 2009 severe weather season was an active one. The National Weather Service in Rapid City issued 262 severe thunderstorm warnings and 29 tornado warnings from May through September. During the severe weather season, there were 11 tornadoes, hail as large as softballs and winds in excess of 80 miles per hour reported across the region.

Windstorms of 2009

Strong winds struck western South Dakota several times at the beginning of the year. On January 9, strong northwest winds developed behind a cold front and produced winds of 50 to 60 mph across northwest and west central South Dakota. The highest wind gust reported was 65 mph northeast of Whitewood in Lawrence County.

On January 12, a tight pressure gradient produced strong winds across the western South Dakota plains. Wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph were common. The highest winds gusts were 82 mph in Newell and 77 mph in downtown Rapid City.

Strong downslope winds develop over the northern and eastern foothills on January 13. Winds gusted to 70 mph just southeast of Folsom in Custer County, 68 mph at Ellsworth AFB and to 67 mph in downtown Rapid City.

Strong winds hit the area again on January 17 - 18 as a strong pressure gradient behind a cold front produced strong northwest winds across northwest and west central South Dakota. Wind gusts of 55 to 65 mph were common. The highest wind gusts were 72 mph in downtown Rapid City, 63 mph in Buffalo and 61 mph at Ellsworth AFB.

On the last day of January, strong northwest winds behind a cold front brought wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph across northwest South Dakota.

2009 Flooding Summary

Flooding began early in the year. In February, ice breakup on the White River combined with an inch of rain on frozen ground, resulted in flooding along the White River from Highway 83 downstream to the Missouri River. One home was flooded as well as agricultural land along the river.

In March, ice breakup combined with abundant runoff caused minor flooding along the Belle Fourche River, the Little Missouri River, the Moreau River, the Grand River, and other smaller creeks and streams in Harding, Perkins, Butte, Meade and Ziebach counties. Reports included water over several roads and bridges, water flowing over several small dam spillways, and downed power poles caused by ice chunks in the water.

Shadehill Reservoir peaked at 2286.98 feet, which was the highest elevation at the reservoir since construction of the dam on April 10, 1952. This elevation was about 15 feet into the flood pool. The spillway discharge peaked at 4500 cfs and water continued to spill through the spillway at the end of the month.

In April, snowmelt combined with warm temperatures and rain caused flooding across portions of northwestern South Dakota. Record flooding occurred on the Little Missouri River at Camp Crook on April 16-17 when the gage rose to almost six feet above flood stage. At least two families along the river evacuated and a few buildings were flooded. Flooding also occurred along the Belle Fourche River, Moreau River, Grand River, Cheyenne River, White River, Rabbit Creek, Deep Creek, Elk Creek, Cherry Creek, and other smaller creeks and streams in Harding, Perkins, Butte, Meade and Ziebach counties. Hotchkiss Dam, an irrigation dam in eastern Harding County, slowly breached on April 14th. Water behind the dam was stored in Sorum Lake preventing further damage downstream. A bridge approach in Perkins County on Cedar Canyon Road was washed out as well as several other roads and culverts in northwestern South Dakota.

Shadehill Reservoir peaked even higher in April, at just under 2291 feet. This elevation is about 19 feet into the flood pool. The spillway discharge peaked at 4500 cfs and water continued to be in the flood pool at the end of the month.

During the afternoon and evening hours of May 24, heavy rain of two to three inches caused flash flooding along Rapid Creek from the fairgrounds east to Rapid Valley. A swift water rescue was needed to rescue three stranded teenagers from an island in the creek. No injuries were reported. On the same evening, nuisance flooding was reported over Meade, Pennington, Lawrence and Custer counties due to the heavy rain. A few streets were flooded and gravel was washed off of several roads.

On June 13, slow moving thunderstorms caused flash flooding over southwestern South Dakota. Three-hour radar rainfall estimates were between two and four inches. Several roads and low water crossings in Hot Springs were underwater. Six inches of water was reported flowing down Minnekahta Avenue in Hot Springs. The alert gage into Cold Brook Reservoir was activated when water filled the normally dry culvert upstream from the reservoir. Campers along the river were evacuated due to the rising water.

More flash flooding was reported on June 14 as strong thunderstorms produced very heavy rain and hail up to baseball size. Flash flooding washed out sections of gravel roads in Meade County north of Box Elder with rainfall amounts of two to three inches. In New Underwood, most streets were covered with water for an hour due to the heavy rain. In Custer County, Red Creek covered Dewey Road with water, washed some of the gravel off of the road and damaged the culvert.

During the week of the 4th of July holiday, southern Fall River County, SD received two to five inches of rain. This rainfall quickly caused levels to rise on Hat Creek and Indian Creek near Ardmore. Several county roads were covered with water from the runoff caused by the heavy rain. High water began on July 2 and continued through July 9 due to additional storms.

On the evening of July 13, minor small stream flooding occurred over portions of western and south central South Dakota as a strong upper level low pressure system moved across Montana and North Dakota. Widespread severe weather and areas of heavy rain caused minor flooding along the north and south branches of Pine Creek, the Little White River and Cut Meat Creek. Flows along Elk Creek near Elm Springs went from 53 cfs to 1610 cfs in two hours. On the Belle Fourche River near Elm Springs, a crest close to 8000 cfs was observed. In Hot Springs, the Fall River went from 30 cfs to 600 cfs in 30 minutes. The White River near the town of White River jumped over five feet from 160 cfs to 4378 cfs in less than six hours. However, all locations remained slightly under flood stage.

On August 6 and again on August 12, heavy rain fell over portions of south central South Dakota. Rainfall amounts of two to three inches of rain caused flooding of low lying areas in Tripp, northern Mellette, and northern Jackson counties. Culverts blocked by debris caused water to flow over county roads, and pond on roads and in low lying areas. No damage was reported from the flooding.

Drier conditions prevailed in September. October was very cold and snowy. Creeks and rivers continued to flow, but no flooding problems were reported. Warm temperatures with very little precipitation in November kept streams from freezing. December finally brought very cold temperatures which froze most of the open water around the area.

Temperature Extremes

Station	High	Date(s)	Low	Date
Buffalo *	96	Several Days	-22	December 15
Cottonwood	102	August 13	-17	January 27, 28
Deadwood	95	May 19	-22	December 9
Faith	94	August 12	-18	December 15
Gillette	96	Several Days	-20	December 9
Interior	100	August 2	-12	January 27
Pine Ridge *	99	August 13	-26	January 27
Phillip *	100	August 2	-13	March 1
Rapid City Airport*	97	August 13	-15	January 27
Winner	97	August 3	-22	January 16, 17

Precipitation Extremes

Station	Rainfall	Date	Snowfall	Date
Buffalo *	0.87	July 3	Not available
Cottonwood	1.03	March 24	7.0	December 26
Deadwood	1.99	March 30	20.8	March 30
Faith	1.43	July 3	10.2	March 24
Gillette	0.91	March 23	12.0	March 23
Interior	1.54	October 5	8.0	April 4
Pine Ridge *	0.78	August 7	Not available
Phillip *	1.34	July 3	Not available
Rapid City	2.17	May 24	13.9	April 4
Winner	2.39	August 6	12.5	April 5

* Data is from the automated weather station

Records Set in 2009

ALL TIME DAILY/MONTHLY RECORDS SET IN 2009
LOCATION	DATE	NEW RECORD	OLD RECORD	DATE
Camp Crook	March	51.0 inches snowfall	35.5 inches snowfall	January 1949
Devils Tower	03/26/2009	20.0 inches snowfall	18.0 inches snowfall	04/30/1967
Devils Tower	March	32.8 inches snowfall	28.0 inches snowfall	December 1969
Maurine 12SW	March	35.0 inches snowfall	28.4 inches snowfall	November 1985
Redig 11NE	December	40.0 inches snowfall	36.0 inches snowfall	March 2009
ANNUAL PRECIPTATION RECORDS SET IN 2009
LOCATION	YEAR	NEW RECORD	OLD RECORD	YEAR
Bison	2008-09	87.9 inches snowfall	63.8 inches snowfall	1996-97
Camp Crook	2008-09	135.0 inches snowfall	75.8 inches snowfall	1926-27
Ft. Meade	2008-09	97.4 inches snowfall	92.6 inches snowfall	1983-84
Lemmon	2008-09	90.5 inches snowfall	88.6 inches snowfall	1996-97
Redig 11NE	2008-09	119.0 inches snowfall	109.0 inches snowfall	1985-86
Spearfish	2008-09	124.0 inches snowfall	118.0 inches snowfall	1972-73
NWS Rapid City	2008-09	90.2 inches snowfall	80.3 inches snowfall	1969-70
MONTHLY RECORDS SET IN 2009
LOCATION	DATE	NEW RECORD	OLD RECORD	DATE
Bison	February	22.1 inches snowfall	17.0 inches snowfall	1952
Long Valley	February	2.01 inches precipitation	1.88 inches precipitation	1987
Camp Crook	March	51.0 inches snowfall	27.8 inches snowfall	1898
Devils Tower, WY	March	3.17 inches precipitation	2.39 inches precipitation	2007
Devils Tower, WY	March	32.8 inches snowfall	19.5 inches snowfall	1987
Maurine 12Sw	March	35.0 inches snowfall	27.0 inches snowfall	1998
Spearfish	March	52.0 inches snowfall	50.2 inches snowfall	1977
Redig 11NE	March	36.0 inches snowfall	33.5 inches snowfall	1950
Colony, WY	August	64.6 degree average temperature	65.5 degree average temperature	1927
Bison	October	38.6 degree average temperature	39.1 degree average temperature	2002
Cottonwood 2E	October	40.1 degree average temperature	40.6 degree average temperature	2002
Devils Tower, WY	October	36.4 degree average temperature	38.5 degree average temperature	1969
Ft. Meade	October	39.9 degree average temperature	39.9 degree average temperature	2002
Long Valley	October	40.6 degree average temperature	41.6 degree average temperature	2002
Maurine 12Sw	October	38.9 degree average temperature	39.2 degree average temperature	2002
Milesville 5NE	October	40.7 degree average temperature	43.2 degree average temperature	1969
Mission 14S	October	38.4 degree average temperature	40.7 degree average temperature	2002
Mt. Rushmore	October	35.2 degree average temperature	37.3 degree average temperature	2002
Mt. Rushmore	October	19.4 inches of snow	19.0 inches of snow	1996
Oelrichs	October	39.7 degree average temperature	41.9 degree average temperature	2002
Pactola Dam	October	34.2 degree average temperature	36.2 degree average temperature	2002, 1969
Rapid City Airport	October	38.7 degree average temperature	39.0 degree average temperature	2002
Winner	October	42.6 degree average temperature	44.6 degree average temperature	2002
Wood	October	39.7 degree average temperature	41.6 degree average temperature	2002
Bison	November	0.00 inches precipitation	Trace of precipitation	Last 2004
Colony, WY	November	0.00 inches precipitation	0.00 inches precipitation	1917
Dupree	November	0.00 inches precipitation	0.00 inches precipitation	Last 1949
Faith	November	0.00 inches precipitation	0.00 inches precipitation	1952
Lemmon	November	Trace of precipitation	Trace of precipitation	Last 2006
Maurine 12Sw	November	Trace of precipitation	Trace of precipitation	Last 1997
Spearfish	November	0.11 inches precipitation	0.12 inches precipitation	1963
Spearfish	November	47.3 degree average temperature	46.6 degree average temperature	1999
Redig 11NE	November	Trace of precipitation	Trace of precipitation	Last 2004
Devils Tower	December	2.34 inches precipitation	1.81 inches precipitation	1989
Devils Tower	December	31.1 inches snowfall	28.0 inches snowfall	1969
Ft. Meade	December	17.0 inches snowfall	16.0 inches snowfall	1983
Interior 3NE	December	18.9 inches snowfall	13.7 inches snowfall	1996
Lemmon	December	35.5 inches snowfall	23.5 inches snowfall	1996
Maurine 12SW	December	21.5 inches snowfall	21.0 inches snowfall	1985
Oelrichs	December	1.25 inches precipitation	1.17 inches precipitation	1994
Spearfish	December	34.5 inches snowfall	25.7 inches snowfall	1949
NWS Rapid City	December	14.5 inches snowfall	12.4 inches snowfall	1996
Wood	December	18.5 inches snowfall	18.5 inches snowfall	1951
Redig 11NE	December	40.0 inches snowfall	27.0 inches snowfall	1996
Redig 11NE	December	1.48 inches precipitation	1.05 inches precipitation	1996
SINGLE DAY RECORDS FOR MONTH SET IN 2009
LOCATION	DATE	NEW RECORD	OLD RECORD	DATE
Long Valley	02/09/2009	1.32 inches precipitation	0.90 inches precipitation	02/18/1991
Lemmon	02/10/2009	0.70 inches precipitation	0.68 inches precipitation	02/21/1975
Bison	02/26/2009	10.0 inches snowfall	7.0 inches snowfall	02/26/1998
Colony, Wy.	02/26/2009	9.5 inches snowfall	8.0 inches snowfall	02/17/1991
Bison	03/24/2009	10.0 inches snowfall	9.5 inches snowfall	03/29/1977
Maurine 12SW	03/24/2009	2.35 inches precipitation	2.02 inches precipitation	03/31/2000
Redig 11NE	03/24/2009	12.0 inches snowfall	12.0 inches snowfall	03/11/88, 03/29/71
Newell	03/25/2009	13.0 inches snowfall	12.0 inches snowfall	03/29/1977
Devils Tower	03/26/2009	2.26 inches precipitation	1.12 inches precipitation	03/14/1973
Devils Tower	03/26/2009	20.0 inches snowfall	13.0 inches precipitation	03/21/1987
Camp Crook	03/30/2009	16.0 inches snowfall	16.0 inches snowfall	03/21/1946
Long Valley	04/04/2009	12.0 inches snowfall	12.0 inches snowfall	04/11/1995
Maurine 12SW	04/04/2009	10.0 inches snowfall	8.0 inches snowfall	04/01/1999
Maurine 12SW	07/04/2009	2.58 inches precipitation	2.08 inches precipitation	07/21/1983
Lemmon	07/13/2009	3.92 inches precipitation	3.52 inches precipitation	07/17/1969
Cottonwood 2E	12/26/2009	7.0 inches snowfall	7.0 inches snowfall	12/22/1981
Devils Tower	12/26/2009	9.8 inches snowfall	7.5 inches snowfall	12/24/1985
Dupree	12/25/2009	10.0 inches snowfall	9.0 inches snowfall	12/26/1988
Interior 3NE	12/26/2009	7.2 inches snowfall	4.0 inches snowfall	12/10/2000
Lead	12/25/2009	1.11 inches precipitation	1.05 inches precipitation	12/07/1963
Lead	12/25/2009	26.0 inches snowfall	17.8 inches precipitation	12/03/1993
Lemmon	12/26/2009	16.0 inches snowfall	11.6 inches snowfall	12/17/1967
Maurine 12SW	12/26/2009	11.0 inches snowfall	9.2 inches snowfall	12/01/1984
Milesville 5NE	12/26/2009	14.0 inches snowfall	10.0 inches snowfall	12/07/1971
Oelrichs	12/26/2009	10.0 inches snowfall	10.0 inches snowfall	12/17/1993
Spearfish	12/25/2009	18.0 inches snowfall	14.5 inches snowfall	12/11/1949
Redig 11NE	12/25/2009	18.0 inches snowfall	9.0 inches snowfall	12/17/1993
Redig 11NE	12/25/2009	0.82 inches precipitation	0.56 inches snowfall	12/23/1972

Return to Climate Summaries

National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office