Drought conditions in the region and throughout the state have improved according to the latest map issued Thursday, Aug. 3, by the U.S. Drought monitor site. All of Venango County was out of the moderate drought category while the top half of the county lingered in the abnormally dry state. Roughly 56 percent of the county was listed as abnormally dry.
Meanwhile, area rivers and creeks monitored by the United State Geological Service's gauges were at normal levels for this time of year.
Actually, the gauge located on Oil Creek at Rouseville showed slightly higher levels this year compared to the same period last year. On July 31 of this year, the creek was at 2.9 feet compared to last year's mark of 2.09 feet. It was also interesting to note that on July 29 of this year, the creek crested at 5 feet.
The Allegheny River at Franklin also peaked on July 29 at the 5.1 feet mark, according to the gauges. It too posted levels higher than last year. As of Aug. 3, the river was at 3.4 feet compared to 3 feet last year.
French Creek at Utica’s level of 3.17 feet was better than last year's 1.78 on Aug 3.
Actually, the gauge located on Oil Creek at Rouseville showed slightly higher levels this year compared to the same period last year. On July 31 of this year, the creek was at 2.9 feet compared to last year's mark of 2.09 feet. It was also interesting to note that on July 29 of this year, the creek crested at 5 feet.
The Allegheny River at Franklin also peaked on July 29 at the 5.1 feet mark, according to the gauges. It too posted levels higher than last year. As of Aug. 3, the river was at 3.4 feet compared to 3 feet last year.
French Creek at Utica’s level of 3.17 feet was better than last year's 1.78 on Aug 3.
Nonetheless, July's rain totals for Franklin of 5.57 inches were above the normal 5.32 inches. A rain total of 1.65 inches on July 27 was most likely responsible for the hike in river and creek levels on July 29.
However, the year-to-date accumulation of 26.63 inches for this year fell short of the normal precipitation of 28.07 inches.
However, the year-to-date accumulation of 26.63 inches for this year fell short of the normal precipitation of 28.07 inches.
Despite the supposed gains in rainfall, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection was maintaining a statewide drought watch.
The declaration came after a July 27 meeting of the Commonwealth Drought Task Force
“While not required, residents and non-farm businesses are encouraged to voluntarily conserve water by reducing their nonessential water use,” said a press release on the issue.
The declaration came after a July 27 meeting of the Commonwealth Drought Task Force
“While not required, residents and non-farm businesses are encouraged to voluntarily conserve water by reducing their nonessential water use,” said a press release on the issue.
The DEP stated that “precipitation over the last month has increased, and stream flows are responding. However, longer term precipitation deficits persist in many areas, and groundwater levels remain low in some counties:
• Northwest: Clarion, Crawford, Elk, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren
• Central: Centre, Clinton, Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Lancaster, Lebanon, Montour, Perry, and Union
• East: Lackawanna, Lehigh, and Wayne.”
• Northwest: Clarion, Crawford, Elk, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren
• Central: Centre, Clinton, Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Lancaster, Lebanon, Montour, Perry, and Union
• East: Lackawanna, Lehigh, and Wayne.”
Twenty-one public water suppliers are requesting or requiring water conservation in their communities, according to the DEP.
The department encouraged residents and businesses to reduce their nonessential water use.
The department encouraged residents and businesses to reduce their nonessential water use.
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center's eight to 14-day outlook was forecasting above normal precipitation for the region.
Will we see enough rain to reach a "normal" amount of rain?
Only Mother Nature knows and she's not telling. That's just the nature of things 'round here.
Will we see enough rain to reach a "normal" amount of rain?
Only Mother Nature knows and she's not telling. That's just the nature of things 'round here.
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