ACF DEWS Webinar Recap
October 27, 2020
A Summary of Drought Conditions from the:

Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) River Basin Drought and Water Webinar
The ACF Basin is drought-free according to the most current U.S. Drought Monitor (as of 10/20/2020).  

Our next briefing will be Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 1pm ET. 
The recorded webinar can be found here.
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Current Drought Status
According to the most current U.S. Drought Monitor (as of 10/20/2020).
0% of the ACF Basin is in drought.
Lawn and Garden Moisture Index
October 26, 2020's Lawn and Garden Index from the University of Alabama at Huntsville displays patches of dryness predominately in eastern Georgia and southwestern Alabama.
7-Day Rainfall Totals
The past 7 days, much of the ACF Basin saw moderate rainfall over the past weekend, as a result of a shortwave low-pressure system. Much of the ACF received 1-3 inches of rainfall.
90-Day Rainfall Departures
The past 90 days, rainfall departures in the entire ACF are much above normal; there are some areas of below or near normal rainfall in eastern Georgia.
NOAA Seasonal Outlook (Nov - Jan)
The NOAA 3-month Seasonal Outlook (Nov.-Jan.) predicts a strong chance of above-normal temperatures for the Southeast as well as an increased chance of below normal rainfall in all of AL, GA, and FL.
Real-time Streamflow
Streamflow in the ACF basin are currently in the high to below normal range, with the majority of locations in the above normal to much above normal range.
Chattahoochee River at Atlanta
28-Day Average Streamflows
28-day average streamflow for the Chattahoochee River are in the much above normal range, with a new record flow at the Chattahoochee River at Atlanta. Flint River flows are in the above normal range, and the Apalachicola River flows are in the above normal range.
(for more info: http://waterwatch.usgs.gov)
Real-Time Groundwater Conditions
Real-time groundwater levels across the ACF basin range from normal to high, with most stations in the normal range.
ACF Reservoir Conditions
(as of 10/26/2020) 

Inflows into the projects are returning to above normal with Lanier and West Point operating above guide curve. Pools at all projects are being lowered ahead of potential threat of Tropical Storm Zeta. The ACF Basin Composite Conservation and Flood Storage is in Zone 1 and is expected to remain in Zone 1 over the next few weeks.
1-Month & 3-Month Mean Daily Streamflow Forecasts
The 1-month mean daily streamflow forecast predicts above normal flow conditions.
The 3-month mean daily streamflow forecast predicts near normal flows throughout the ACF basin.
Historical La Niña Streamflows
Drought Assessment Webinar Summary
 
ACF Basin Precipitation and Climate Conditions and Outlooks

  • Near record Atlantic hurricane season continues, Zeta to bring heavy rain to middle and upper ACF (perhaps elsewhere)

  • D0 (abnormally dry) in western Alabama and east-central Georgia

  • 1-2 inches of rainfall from a shortwave disturbance last weekend

  • Most of the ACF well above normal at 30-90 days, exception of east Georgia

  • ”La Nina Advisory” now issued by NOAA, 85% chance of continuing through winter

  • CPC seasonal forecast favors above normal temperatures and below normal rainfall

  • ACF likely to remain mostly drought-free in the short term, but watch for the onset of dry pattern

Alabama Drought Status

  • 2020 precipitation has been averaging normal to above normal for most of the state

  • Oct 20, 2020 MIG meeting resulted in no change to current Alabama Drought Declaration

  • NOAA Winter Outlook emphasizes the existence of La Nina

  • Will be assessing potential impacts from Tropical Storm Zeta and future impacts from La Nina conditions

  • No reported water availability issues

  • OWR continues to monitor conditions

Real-Time Streamflow & Forecasts

  • Real-time streamflow in the ACF basin are currently in the high to below normal range.

  • The ACF basin is currently ranked as normal flow for the 7-day average streamflow.

  • 28-day average streamflow for the Chattahoochee River are currently in the much above normal range, with new record flow at Chattahoochee River at Atlanta.

  • 28-day average streamflow for the Flint River are currently in the above normal range.

  • Real-time groundwater levels across the ACF basin range from normal to high, with most stations in the normal range.

  • 1 Month Streamflow forecast - Above Normal

  • 3 Month Streamflow forecast - Above early, then Near Normal


ACF Basin Reservoir Conditions

  • Inflows into the projects are above normal.

  • Lanier and West Point are operating above guide curve. 

  • WFGeorge drawn down to elevation 186 feet for upstream repairs on dam until November 8.

  • Returning projects to guide curve as quickly as possible ahead of Tropical Storm Zeta.

  • The ACF system conservation storage is in Zone 1 and is forecasted to stay in Zone 1 for the next few weeks.



Acknowledgments 
 
Speakers
David Zierden, FSU
Tom Littlepage, ADECA OWR
Paul Ankcorn, USGS
Troy Ephriam, USACE-Mobile District
Jeff Dobur, SERFC


Summary prepared by:
Rachel McGuire, Auburn University 

Resources

General Drought Information:

Drought Impact Reporter:

Southeast Climate Perspectives Map

General Climate and El Niño Information:
  
Streamflow Monitoring & Forecasting

Groundwater Monitoring
 
The Complete Set of Briefing Slides From the ACF River Basin Drought Webinar:

Additional Information From the Southeast River Forecast Center:
To join the ACF mailing list or for webinar-related questions,
please contact: 

Rachel McGuire 
334 844 1163