From Sioux Falls to Rapid City, fire weather meteorologists are
watching conditions closely. And until we receive widespread,
heavy moisture they'll be monitoring what is known as the
Keetch-Byram Drought Index or KBDI. It measures the amount of
precipitation needed to return the soil to full saturation. It
uses a system rating of zero to 800, which represents the
moisture amount of zero to eight inches of water. It's what is
needed to reduce the drought index to zero, which is saturation.
Much of KELOLAND is at 500 or above. The KBDI of 400 to 600 is
typical of late summer and early fall. When it gets to 600 and
above, that's when intense, deep burning fires can be expected
with an emphasis on downwind new fires occuring. The highest
spots are in south central, north central and northeast South
Dakota. Just this week, the area near Lake Andes is also
considered at 800. It's an important number to know this time of
year, whether you're harvesting or off road for hunting. © 2012
KELOLAND TV. All Rights Reserve