South Dakota State Climate Office Records

Identity elements

Reference code

SDSU-Archives MA 037

Level of description

Records

Title

South Dakota State Climate Office Records

Date(s)

  • 1891-2013 (Creation)

Extent

55.68 linear feet (54 records boxes, 1 long document case, 2 oversize boxes)

Name of creator

Administrative history

The South Dakota State Climate Office serves as the official source of climate and drought information for the state. It provides a range of resources, including data, tools, outlooks, and other climate-related materials to support decision-making across sectors. The office serves individuals and organizations involved in agriculture, industry, public safety, and the general public. Its information is made accessible through multiple channels, including websites, social media platforms, and both print and electronic publications, ensuring broad availability and public engagement.

Content and structure elements

Scope and content

The South Dakota State Climate Office Records document over a century of weather and climate data collection across South Dakota and parts of Iowa, Minnesota, and Wyoming. The bulk of the collection consists of daily weather observation sheets submitted by volunteer reporting stations, recording data such as precipitation, air and soil temperature, wind, and solar radiation. The detail and scope of observations vary based on the equipment available at each site. Materials are organized geographically by reporting location, including towns, research farms, and natural landmarks.

In addition to climatological data, the collection includes administrative and research materials such as master’s theses, grant proposals, legal case documentation involving weather data, radar output, storm and cloud photography, and drought and tree ring analysis. Specialized forms, including B-91 climatological reports, are also present, along with materials relating to significant weather events such as flooding and droughts.

This collection offers insight into long-term regional climate trends. It is a valuable resource for environmental research, agricultural planning, legal reference, public safety, and historical climatology.

System of arrangement

Conditions of access and use elements

Conditions governing access

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In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use. .sdstate.edu/sdsu-archives-and-special-collections/researcher-registration-form)

The collection is open for research, but please note that the materials in the Archives do not circulate and can only be used In the SDSU Archives and Special Collections Reading Room.

Please contact us in advance so we can prepare for your visit.

If you cannot visit the Archives in person, please reach out to us. We will do our best to help you find the information you need.

In most cases, the materials in this collection have not been digitized and are not available online.

South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections supports access to the materials in its collections. However, access to some items may be restricted due to their fragile condition, donor agreements, or other considerations.

If you would like to know more about the contents of the collection, please contact the SDSU Archives at: Telephone: 605-688-5094 Email: arcrefs@sdstate.edu

Physical access

Technical access

Conditions governing reproduction

Reproduction of materials from the collection is subject to the following conditions:

  • Permission: Written permission must be obtained from the SDSU Archives for any reproduction, publication, or quotation of materials.
  • Copyright: Users are responsible for complying with copyright laws and securing any necessary permissions from copyright holders.
  • Fragile Materials: Some items may not be reproduced due to their fragile condition.
  • Charges: Reproduction charges may apply, and users will be informed of any costs in advance.
  • Acknowledgment: Any reproduced material must include proper acknowledgment of the South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections as the source.

    For more information or to request permission, please contact the SDSU Archives.

Languages of the material

  • English

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    General note

    Ask Us!

    If you have questions or would like to schedule a visit, please let us know.

    Copyright and Use Statement

    In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

    Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.

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