UPDATE: May 13, 2008

The most recent drought monitor released on May 6, 2008, reflects that most (72%) of the Potomac River basin is in average (not dry) condition, with 25% abnormally dry and 3% moderately to severely dry. For the month of April, the Potomac River Basin received 2.17 inches of rainfall above normal.

Currently flows in the Potomac are at record highs.  An instantaneous flow recorded at Little Falls was 136,000 CFS (87,856 MGD), breaking the maximum flow record of 115,000 CFS (74,290 MGD) set back in 1932. Point of Rocks recorded an instantaneous flow of 95,700 CFS (61,822 MGD), well above the median flow of 8,640 CFS (5,581 MGD). Groundwater observation well levels (as of 4/30/08) remain at normal to low levels throughout the region. (see the latest groundwater map). For additional information, download the latest edition of COG’s Water Supply Drought Update.

DROUGHT WATCH HAS BEEN LIFTED
The drought WATCH in the Potomac River basin declared on October 3, 2007 has been lifted and the region has returned to the NORMAL stage of the Regional Water Supply Awareness and Response Plan. Overall conditions in the basin have improved due to recent precipitation and gradual improvements in ground water observation wells throughout the Potomac River basin.  Potomac River flows continue to run at long-term  though there are still some pockets of dryness. 

Over the last 180 days (October 5, 2007 to April 1, 2008) the Potomac River Basin is +0.5 inches above average.  Reservoir levels remain full at Jennings Randolph, Little Seneca, and Occoquan.  Duckett and Savage are below normal but filling.  The low levels are attributed to planned drawn downs for construction purposes.