Peak stages from backwater conditions at streamflow-gaging stations in and near South Dakota through water year 2001

Stream stages associated with the annual peak discharge are presented for 182 streamflow-gaging stations in and near South Dakota. The peak stage at a station can occur as the result of the annual maximum discharge, but also as the result of backwater conditions. Backwater, often caused by ice, can produce a peak stage higher than the stage coincident with annual maximum discharge. The U.S. Geological Survey has cooperated with the South Dakota Department of Transportation to prepare this report, which provides a summary of peak-stage data through water year 2001 for gaging stations in and near South Dakota where annual peak stages resulting from backwater conditions have exceeded stages associated with annual peak discharge by as much as several feet. Where applicable, data summaries include the flood stage that is assigned by the National Weather Service.