Passing on an email we received today:
-----Original Message-----
From: Smith, Richard - Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 11:38 AM
Subject: Poinsett update Jan 18,2012
Poinsett weather has been anything but normal. A November, December and first 1/3 of January that averaged 20 to 30 degrees above normal. While those here have enjoyed the southern like temps, it has caused some real dangers to those participating in winter lake ice activities. Monday, Lake Poinsett claimed the life of an ice fisherman that drove his ATV into open water after becoming disoriented at dark during a small snow squall that passed through the area.
The Annual Poinsett fishing contest has been cancelled for this weekend in hopes of not repeating a tragedy similar to Monday's. The Poinsett Pounders Snowmobile activities will continue this weekend utilizing the 1-2 inches of snow currently on the ground and is probably safe with temps back to normal subzero levels for this week.
Rick Smith
Lake Poinsett / North Central Big Sioux River
Watershed Coordinator
PO Box 165
Hayti, SD 57241
605-783-3353
