Construction crews across South Dakota are continuing outdoor work well into January, thanks to unusually mild winter temperatures that have kept the ground workable far longer than normal for this time of year.
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Typically, January marks a near standstill for outdoor construction as frozen soil and harsh weather halt excavation and foundation work. This winter, however, temperatures have remained nine to twelve degrees above normal, leaving the ground unfrozen in parts of the state and allowing crews to push ahead with projects that would otherwise be delayed until spring.
“It’s pretty standard to not do any work from probably about now until April or more into the spring. So this is a bonus. It’s like you get an extra month on the schedule for the outdoor work,” said Josh Chamberlain.
The extended construction window is especially beneficial for projects requiring excavation and foundation work. Digging in frozen ground typically requires specialized equipment, added labor, and higher costs. With softer soil conditions, crews are able to move more efficiently and reduce delays that can ripple through project schedules.
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State climatologists say the current conditions are highly unusual for midwinter in South Dakota. According to South Dakota State Climatologist Laura Edwards, frost levels across much of the state remain far below typical January depths.
“Our frost depths across the state are really shallow right now for this time of year. In fact, there are a number of areas along the southern border of South Dakota that have no frost at all still,” Edwards said.
The lack of frozen ground has allowed construction activity to continue at a pace rarely seen this late in the season, offering contractors and developers a rare opportunity to stay on schedule—or even get ahead—before spring arrives.
However, the window may not remain open indefinitely. Forecasters warn that colder temperatures are expected later in the winter, which could still force construction crews to pause outdoor work if the ground freezes.
For now, builders across the state are making the most of the mild conditions, treating the extended season as an unexpected boost to productivity and project timelines during what is normally one of the quietest periods of the year for construction.
Originally reported by Ryan Hill in Kota TV.
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