Great Plains Region•Capital: Pierre
South Dakota Snow Day Predictor
SD
South Dakota winters bring deep cold, heavy prairie winds, and significant snow, particularly in the Black Hills.
Typical Closure Threshold
6 to 12 inches (or extreme ground blizzard)
Climate Classification
Northern Great Plains Continental
Average Annual Snow Days
15–30 days (Black Hills: 35–50 days)
South Dakota Cities & School Districts
Select your city below for localized school closure probability forecasts and district contacts.
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Department of Transportation Plowing Operations
SDDOT operates statewide plows and monitors I-90 and I-29 for blizzard closures.
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School Closure Decision Framework
Sioux Falls and Rapid City school districts balance road clearance and wind chill temperatures for bus stops.
South Dakota Snow Day FAQs
Q:How does the Black Hills affect South Dakota snow days?
The Black Hills create dramatic orographic uplift, often receiving 2 to 3 feet of snow while the surrounding plains receive only a few inches.