PIERRE, S.D. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service and local volunteer fire departments, have scheduled prescribed burns on the Oahe Dam for April 7, 2025, that will cause traffic restrictions to Highway 1806 and Crest Road (Highway 204).
Pending favorable weather conditions, several areas on the dam embankment may be burned to reduce litter buildup for inspection purposes and to promote a healthy turf that will help prevent erosion. Ignition will only occur when weather conditions such as wind, temperature, relative humidity and smoke dispersal are within prescribed limits and an adequate number of trained wildland firefighters are available for monitoring, control and post-burn mop-up.
Access to burn areas will be restricted during burn operations, including extinguishing hot spots left by smoldering wood or debris. Travel on Highway 1806 and Crest Road (Highway 204) may be restricted during the embankment burn if smoke limits visibility. Motorists will be directed to Power House Road as a detour during closures of Crest Road.
For up-to-date information, please contact Deputy OPM/Chief of Natural Resource Patrick Feiock at Patrick.d.feiock@usace.army.mil or 605-945-3420, or the Oahe Project main office at 605-224-5862.
Release no. 25-006