• Abstract and Nature Wallpaper
  • Turn Your Photos Into Art
  • Landscape and Abstract Wall Calendars
  • Triptych Wall Art
  • Oversized Wall Art
  • Free Stock Photos

Satisfaction Guarantee
Buy With Confidence
• Quality Guarantee
• Positive SSL Security Protection

Blog: Currently Reading…

Nature’s Beauty vs. Nature’s Wrath

Posted May 31, 2011 in Photo Excursions, South Dakota

This past weekend, Meaghan and I visited Pierre, South Dakota for a little holiday relaxation.  We had no idea what we were about to see.

I could only best describe the scene through photos.  We were certainly witnesses to nature's beauty and nature's wrath.  We arrived in town late and visited the Stilling Basin in Pierre, South Dakota.  This rarely sees activity, but on this night, it was quite a scene.

Find out how you can donate to the Oahe Relief Fund and get these artwork images below!

 

Here's another photo looking down at the massive force that I could only imagine 1000 firehoses put together could produce.

 

 According to the Corps of Engineers, the plan is ramp up to release 150,000 cubic feet of water per second, about double of what can be seen here.  Water is being released to relieve pressure on the dam and to avoid structural weakening which could result in a far greater tragedy.  Rain and snow has been melting in preceding areas, thus causing an enormous backlog of water.  All towns and cities beyond Pierre are also bracing themselves for this overflow of water.

The stilling basin is the type of place where you really "have to be there."  I found this Stilling Basin video below so you could understand the force of the water.

 

The next day, we witnessed what the release of water was doing to the great city of Pierre. (below)

Yet on some parts of the river, it seemed like nothing was out of place. (below)

We decided that we couldn't sit still.  We had to help.  On our way toward homes located near the Dunes Golf Course, we saw this eerie scene below.

People came from all directions and surrounding towns to help.  It was amazing to see a community of amazing people rally behind such difficult circumstances.

Assembly lines formed, sandbags were stacked, and the people of Pierre were officially in battle with nature's wrath.

A day came to an end for me, but most residents didn't have the choice to stop battling.  At least we were blessed with nature's beauty.

Yet another ironic site came on top of the Oahe Dam where the other side of the dam could be seen. In my mind it was a bit difficult to understand how this dam could be so violent on one side, yet so peaceful and calm on the other.

Comments

  • bornonthewestside/liveontheeastside
    June 14, 2011 at 11:01am

    The real tragedy was (damning) this river to begin with!!!

  • Dianne Siebrasse
    June 7, 2011 at 7:55pm

    Thanks for sharing these great photos. I grew up in SD and my brother and family with many wonderful friends live in Pierre. I pray for all of them that this too shall pass. SD folks are strong and will survive. My prayers are with you.

  • Christine Albert
    June 6, 2011 at 12:17pm

    Thank you so much for this.  My husband is from Pierre and we’ll be performing there in July.  We have been so concerned and it is great to get the personal perspective and see these gorgeous photos; it means so much more than the AP stories.  I have been sharing this on my social networking sites and in our monthly newsletter.

  • Linda Denton
    June 6, 2011 at 11:35am

    I remember being told about the great flood in 1953 but never imagined it could have been possible.  Now I know. The river has left a great legacy in it’s path. So many friends have lost their lives there and now their homes. Just when we think we are in control, God proves us otherwise. We serve an awsome God and I will pray for the levee’s to hold and the sandbags to work.  I will also pray that you will find comfort and strength during this painful time.  Hold fast to each, especially during your times of anger and frustration.
    How else can people donate to help our friends and loved ones in Pierre.

  • Katie C
    June 3, 2011 at 11:32am

    Thanks for posting this gorgeous photo-diary.  Your images do a beautiful job of capturing both the power and beauty of the river and communities. I grew up in Pierre and have a great love for the river and the people there.  The river is what makes Pierre, Pierre, to me.  It’s basically part of the fabric of that envelopes people’s lives in Pierre.  It’s why those of us who have left continue returning and always make our trips around the dam, down to river, and out in the boats of our friends/family.  We all continue to connect with that water.  It’s simply a way of life.  :-)  My heart sunk when I realized it was our dear friends’ home in the picture of the sandbagging.  Thinking and praying for all things good!

  • MikeD
    June 3, 2011 at 10:46am

    Beautiful pictures, thanks for your help that weekend!
    We finally crashed about 5PM on Monday, but Judy, Molly, and Chris kept going like the Energizer Bunny!

  • Joyce Kohout
    June 2, 2011 at 7:53pm

    These pictures are absolutely beautiful and awe inspiring.  I will pray for Pierre.

  • Kristi L
    June 2, 2011 at 7:20pm

    I was born and raised in Pierre and my family still resides there, as well as many friends.  We ALL love the river, the fact that she is over-full, does not make us love her any less.  The reason people built houses where they did is because NEVER has this happened since the dam has been built!  The tunnels have never been opened since the dam was built.  May the Lord help people find peace and some kind of blessing in all this mess.

    Your pictures are absolutely beautiful!  Thank you so much for sharing them.

  • Ben Fowler
    June 2, 2011 at 2:49pm

    I moved to South Dakota [Mobridge] in 1959 and watched the big muddy become a beautiful lake. The will of God is amazing,three years ago the people of S.D. were praying for water and now God has answered above and beyond all expections. I guess all we can say is thank you Lord but you over did our prayers.

  • Marc Wiehl
    June 2, 2011 at 12:26pm

    Born and raised in South Dakota, but I have lived in Wisconsin for the past 18 years.  I still get back to Pierre to hunt and fish around that great river.  A great friend of mine, who lives in Pierre sent me this link.  My thoughts are with all the people fighting so hard to protect what they have built and if I was there I would share in that fight.  Stay positive and strong, all of us transplants out there in the world are with you.

  • Kyle Neuberger
    June 2, 2011 at 8:30am

    Thanks to all of you for your wonderful comments.  There’s been several questions about whether these pictures are for sale.  I will be selling prints of these photos with all proceeds going to the flood relief efforts.  Stay tuned for details.

  • Amy Schaefer
    June 2, 2011 at 12:56am

    Thank You for sharing this devastation of the beauty we live in. It is not a natural disaster, but a man made one. We will overcome, as we pray for all the other disasters happening throughout our country. We stand strong!

  • gloria reece
    June 2, 2011 at 12:22am

    These are amazing photos! Born & raised in South Dakota but haven’t lived there about 40 years.  Just so torn with this tragedy that it’s even happening, but I also know the people from back home how strong they are & how they come together when such a tragedy is unfolding!  Thoughts & prayers to all of the GREAT people back home!!

  • RamonJr
    June 1, 2011 at 11:28pm

    thank you for finding the beauty in all this tragedy.  Stunning pictures!

  • Karen Branco
    June 1, 2011 at 2:42pm

    Born and raised in South Dakota but haven’t lived there for over 20 years now. Had to show my children these beautiful photos….absolutely gorgeous. I know in my heart that the good people of Pierre will make it through this tragedy, my aunt Eileen and uncle Bob are hard at work sandbagging. South Dakotoans are tough folks!

  • Julie
    June 1, 2011 at 12:36pm

    totally amazing pictures.  I live in Pierre, however have been working out of state.  I Have never in my 30 years seen this much water coming out of the tunnels at the basin.  Thanks for the kind words about the communities.

  • Laura
    June 1, 2011 at 7:39am

    Amazing photojournalism!

  • JGosch
    May 31, 2011 at 10:28pm

    Wonderful, beautiful pictures!  Thank you for finding the beauty in the surreal!  Loved your comments too about all the awesome people in Pierre & Ft. Pierre.  We all love it here and even at times like these we know why.  Thanks for reminding us!

  • michelle m
    May 31, 2011 at 10:00pm

    absolutely stunning photographs!

  • stephaniw
    May 31, 2011 at 9:17pm

    Beautiful pictures!

Add Your Comments
  • * - Required Field

Why choose Franklin Arts?

This site looks different from other wall art websites because it really is different.

When you buy contemporary wall art from Franklin Arts (WallArtDecoreStore.com), you choose to work directly with the artist.  You now have the power to browse through endless contemporary artworks, both natural and abstract, and if you want, you can completely customize the piece to fit your taste and decor.  Other places simply cannot (and do not) offer this level of personalized service.  Read more>>

Abstract Art

Types of Art

Art Goodies

Abstract Art Calendars
Sunset Calendars
Nature Calendars
Abstract Triptych Frames
Sunset Frames
Nature Frames