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ACF Drought & Water Dashboard

Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) River Basin Maps & Data

28%

of USGS streamgages in the ACF Basin have below-normal 28-day average streamflow

0

counties in the ACF Basin are designated in drought by the USDA

Change of
0
since last week
Change of
0
since last month
26th

driest February on record, over the past 129 years

Change of
1.66
inches from normal
40th

driest year to date over the past 129 years (January-February 2023)

Change of
0.71
inches from normal
Current Conditions for the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint Basin

The U.S. Drought Monitor map is updated each Thursday to show the location and intensity of drought across the country. The map uses five classifications: abnormally dry (D0), showing areas that may be going into or are coming out of drought, and four levels of drought: moderate (D1), severe (D2), extreme (D3), and exceptional (D4).

This map is used by USDA to trigger disaster declarations and loan eligibility. Individual states and water supply planning may utilize additional information to inform their declarations and actions. 

The U.S. Drought Monitor is a joint effort of the National Drought Mitigation Center, USDA, and NOAA. Learn more.

This map shows the departure from normal maximum temperature over the past 15 days, compared to usual conditions for the same time period averaged from 1991–2020.

This map uses the gridMET and PRISM temperature datasets, and temperature data are updated daily, with a delay of 3 to 4 days. Learn more.

Want to view temperature data for different timescales?

View More Maps on Climate Engine

 

This map shows the percent of normal precipitation for the past 15 days, compared to the usual conditions for the same time period averaged from 1991–2020.

This map uses the gridMET and NLDAS precipitation datasets, and precipitation data are updated daily, with a delay of 3 to 4 days. Learn more.

Want to view precipitation data for different timescales?

View More Maps on Climate Engine

 

D0 - Abnormally Dry
  • Short-term dryness slowing planting, growth of crops or pastures.
  • Some lingering water deficits
  • Pastures or crops not fully recovered
41.2
of ACF Basin
(D0-D4)
D1 - Moderate Drought
  • Some damage to crops, pastures
  • Streams, reservoirs, or wells low, some water shortages developing or imminent
  • Voluntary water-use restrictions requested
10.3
of ACF Basin
(D1-D4)
D2 - Severe Drought
  • Crop or pasture loss likely
  • Water shortages common
  • Water restrictions imposed
0
of ACF Basin
(D2-D4)
D3 - Extreme Drought
  • Major crop/pasture losses
  • Widespread water shortages or restrictions
0
of ACF Basin
(D3-D4)
D4 - Exceptional Drought
  • Exceptional and widespread crop/pasture losses
  • Shortages of water in reservoirs, streams, and wells creating water emergencies
0
of ACF Basin
(D4)
Departure from Normal Max Temperature (°F)
Range Map Hex Color
- -8 #0404ff
-8 - -6 #2166ac
-6 - -4 #4393c3
-4 - -3 #92c5de
-3 - -1 #d1e5f0
-1 - 0 #ffffff
Range Map Hex Color
0 - 1 #ffffff
1 - 3 #fddbc7
3 - 4 #f4a582
4 - 6 #d6604d
6 - 8 #b2182b
8 - #800000
Percent of Normal Precipitation (%)
Range Map Hex Color
0% - 25% #8c510a
25% - 50% #bf812d
50% - 75% #dfc27d
75% - 100% #f6e8c3
Range Map Hex Color
100% - 150% #c7eae5
150% - 200% #80cdc1
200% - 300% #35978f
300% - #01665e
Streamflow Conditions in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint Basin

The map depicts real-time streamflow conditions compared to historical streamflow conditions for the day of the year, updated daily. U.S. Geological Survey stream gages are displayed alongside current drought conditions from the U.S. Drought Monitor. Click on a streamgage to view more data for that location. Learn more.

The map depicts 28-day average streamflow conditions as computed at U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) streamgages. The colors represent 28-day average streamflow compared to percentiles of historical 28-day average streamflow for the day of the year. Click on a streamgage to view more data for that location. Learn more.

The National Weather Service’s Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (AHPS) River Forecast data provide valuable information about the chances of flood occurring. These 5-day river stage/flow forecasts take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected approximately 48 hours into the future from the forecast issuance time. Learn more.

View More River Forecasts

Streamflow Conditions
Value Map Hex Color
Low #ff0000
Much Below Normal #b12121
Below Normal #ffa400
Normal #00ff00
Above Normal #40dfd0
Much Above Normal #0000ff
High #000000
Not Ranked #FFFFFF
U.S. Drought Monitor
Value Map Hex Color
D0 #ffff00
D1 #ffcc99
D2 #ff6600
D3 #ff0000
D4 #660000
Streamflow Conditions
Value Map Hex Color
Low #ff0000
Much Below Normal #b12121
Below Normal #ffa400
Normal #00ff00
Above Normal #40dfd0
Much Above normal #0000ff
High #000000
Not Ranked #FFFFFF
U.S. Drought Monitor
Value Map Hex Color
D0 #ffff00
D1 #ffcc99
D2 #ff6600
D3 #ff0000
D4 #660000
5-Day Maximum Forecast Flood Category
Value Map Hex Color
Major Flooding #cc33ff
Moderate Flooding #ff0000
Minor Flooding #ff9900
Near Flood Stage #ffff00
No Flooding #01ff00
Flood Category Not Defined #72afe9
At or Below Low Water Threshold #906320
Forecasts Are Not Current #bdc2bb
No Forecast Within This Timeframe #8c8c8c
Out of Service #666666
Reservoir Conditions in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint Basin

This graph shows the year-to-date composite conservation storage (in acre-feet) for the ACF River Basin—that is, the combined storage of Lake Sidney Lanier, West Point Lake, and Walter F. George Lake—as well as forecast storage for the next 4 weeks (orange line). The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) categorizes conservation storage into 5 action zones, which trigger drought operations in the ACF River Basin:

  • Zones 1 and 2: Not classified as drought conditions; normal operations are in place.
  • Zone 3: Drought contingency operations are triggered; hydropower is supported at a reduced level.
  • Zone 4: Severe drought conditions exist; navigation is not supported; hydropower is likely to be generated only during concurrent use.
  • Drought Zone: Emergency drought operations are triggered; hydropower will only be met as a result of meeting other project purposes. 

View this graph on the USACE website.

View More USACE Reservoir Information

Current and forecasted lake levels for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) projects in and near the ACF River Basin. Except for Lake Seminole, lakes are color-coded based on USACE lake action zones*, which provide guidance on meeting minimum hydropower needs at each project and determine the amount of storage available for navigation, water supply, and water quality. Click on any of the lakes to view the current lake level and the 1-week forecast (measured in ft MSL, feet above mean sea level).

View More Lake Level Forecasts

* For Lake Seminole (Jim Woodruff Dam), which has no action zones, green = below maximum operating level, and blue = above maximum operating level. Navigation restrictions in the action zones below do not apply to Allatoona and Carters, as navigation is only directly supported for reservoirs in the ACF Basin.
USACE Lake Action Zones
Value Map Hex Color
Flood Storage: Storage is above Zone 1 #0000ff
Zone 1: Normal operations #55ff00
Zone 2: Limited navigation (ACF); reduced hydropower #ffff00
Zone 3: Significantly limited navigation (ACF); reduced hydropower #ffaa00
Zone 4: Navigation not supported (ACF); very limited hydropower #ff0000
Agriculture in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint Basin

The USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) conducts hundreds of surveys every year and prepares reports covering virtually every aspect of U.S. agriculture, including agricultural commodities statistics for crops and livestock. This map displays crops and livestock by county alongside the current U.S. Drought Monitor. The size of each dot represents the total acres (crops) or total inventory (livestock) per county. Learn more.

Crop Production (Acres)

A circle with the radius of 20 pixels identifies:
> 500,000
A circle with the radius of 16 pixels identifies:
> 300,000
A circle with the radius of 12 pixels identifies:
> 100,000
A circle with the radius of 8 pixels identifies:
≤ 100,000

Crop Production (Acres)

A circle with the radius of 20 pixels identifies:
> 500,000
A circle with the radius of 16 pixels identifies:
> 300,000
A circle with the radius of 12 pixels identifies:
> 100,000
A circle with the radius of 8 pixels identifies:
≤ 100,000

Crop Production (Acres)

A circle with the radius of 20 pixels identifies:
> 500,000
A circle with the radius of 16 pixels identifies:
> 300,000
A circle with the radius of 12 pixels identifies:
> 100,000
A circle with the radius of 8 pixels identifies:
≤ 100,000

Livestock Count

A circle with the radius of 20 pixels identifies:
> 500,000
A circle with the radius of 16 pixels identifies:
> 300,000
A circle with the radius of 12 pixels identifies:
> 100,000
A circle with the radius of 8 pixels identifies:
≤ 100,000

Livestock Count

A circle with the radius of 20 pixels identifies:
> 500,000
A circle with the radius of 16 pixels identifies:
> 300,000
A circle with the radius of 12 pixels identifies:
> 100,000
A circle with the radius of 8 pixels identifies:
≤ 100,000
U.S. Drought Monitor
Value Map Hex Color
D0 - Abnormally Dry #ffff00
D1 - Moderate Drought #ffcc99
D2 - Severe Drought #ff6600
D3 - Extreme Drought #ff0000
D4 - Exceptional Drought #660000
74,276
acres of cotton in drought (D1–D4) in the ACF Basin (estimated)
32,070
acres of hay in drought (D1–D4) in the ACF Basin (estimated)
15,874
acres of corn in drought (D1–D4) in the ACF Basin (estimated)
16,424
number of cattle in drought (D1–D4) in the ACF Basin (estimated)
Soil Moisture in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint Basin

The Lawn and Garden Moisture Index measures the capacity of current soil moisture to sustain healthy lawns and gardens. The index is computed in two stages. The first involves how much recent precipitation (over the past 21 days) contributes to current soil moisture. The second involves finding how much the total effective rainfall for the current day differs from a “standard” amount of rainfall considered to be adequate for that time of year to sustain healthy lawns and gardens.

Positive values of the index indicate adequate precipitation or better, while negative values indicate a precipitation deficit. Learn more.

NASA’s Short-term Prediction Research and Transition Center – Land Information System (SPoRT-LIS) provides high-resolution (about 3-km) gridded soil moisture products in real time to support regional and local modeling and improve situational awareness. The 0–100 cm soil moisture percentile data has shown to be useful for drought monitoring. The near-surface (0–10 cm) layer responds quickly to heavy precipitation and rapidly drying events. In deeper layers, soil moisture evolves more slowly and has demonstrated greater utility overall for drought monitoring purposes since drought evolves typically on timescales of weeks to years. Learn more.

Developed by researchers at Ohio State University and the University of Illinois, this high-resolution gridded soil moisture map shows soil moisture percentiles at 20 cm depth, derived from merging in situ soil moisture data from a wide range of state and federal mesonets across the continental U.S. and interpolating these data into a 4 km grid. Data are updated daily with a 1-day delay due to differences in network report timing. Learn more

Lawn & Garden Moisture Index: Precipitation Deficit
Range Map Hex Color
-2 - -1.5 #cc0000
-1.5 - -1.0 #ff6600
-1.0 - -0.5 #ffa200
-0.5 - 0 #ebeb50
Lawn & Garden Moisture Index: Adequate or Surplus Precipitation
Range Map Hex Color
0 - 0.5 #8ce48c
0.5 - 1.0 #00ff00
1.0 - 1.5 #00c800
1.5 - 2.0 #00af00
2.0 - #009600
0–100 cm Soil Moisture Percentile (%)
Range Map Hex Color
0 - 2 #630f08
2 - 5 #da2d20
5 - 10 #de7a2e
10 - 20 #f6b573
20 - 30 #ffff66
30 - 70 #c8c8c8
Range Map Hex Color
70 - 80 #c3f7b2
80 - 90 #78f573
90 - 95 #37d23c
95 - 98 #0fa00f
98 - 100 #3c83e8
20 cm Soil Moisture Percentile
Range Map Hex Color
0 - 2 #730000
2 - 5 #e60000
5 - 10 #e69800
10 - 20 #fed37f
20 - 30 #fefe00
30 - 70 #c8c8c8
Range Map Hex Color
70 - 80 #aaf596
80 - 90 #4ce600
90 - 95 #38a800
95 - 98 #145a00
98 - 100 #002673
Environmental Impacts in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint Basin

The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) assesses the likelihood of wildfires becoming large and difficult to contain by representing the net effect of evapotranspiration and precipitation in producing cumulative moisture deficiency in deep duff and upper soil layers.

The KBDI attempts to measure the amount of precipitation necessary to return the soil to full field capacity. The index ranges from 0, the point of saturation (no moisture deficiency), to 800, the maximum dryness that is possible. The KBDI value indicates the amount of net rainfall (in hundredths of inches) required to reduce the index to zero, or saturation. Learn more.

The Coastal Salinity Index (CSI) is a long-term monitoring tool that characterizes relative changes in coastal salinity regimes for salinity gages with long periods of record. It was developed to characterize coastal drought, monitor changing salinity conditions, and improve understanding of the effects of changing salinities on fresh and saltwater ecosystems. The CSI uses the same classification scheme as the U.S. Drought Monitor for high saline (or drought) conditions and the inverse for wet conditions. This map shows salinity classifications over the past month. Learn more.

AirNow reports air quality using the official U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI), a color-coded index designed to communicate whether air quality is healthy or unhealthy. This map displays the AQI at sensors across the U.S. alongside the current U.S. Drought Monitor. Air quality data are updated daily at 10 a.m. Eastern. Learn More.

Keetch-Byram Drought Index
Range Map Hex Color
0 - 200 #002673
200 - 250 #004ca8
250 - 300 #00a884
300 - 350 #4de600
350 - 400 #d0ff73
400 - 450 #ffff00
Range Map Hex Color
450 - 500 #ffd27f
500 - 550 #ffaa00
550 - 600 #ff5500
600 - 650 #ff0000
650 - 700 #e60000
700 - 800 #730000
Coastal Salinity Classification
Value Map Hex Color
CD4 - Exceptional Salinity Conditions #730000
CD3 - Extreme Salinity Conditions #e60000
CD2 - Severe Salinity Conditions #ffaa00
CD1 - Moderate Salinity Conditions #fcd27f
CD0 - Abnormal Salinity Conditions #ffff00
Normal Salinity Conditions #0000ffff
CW0 - Abnormal Freshwater Conditions #e4e1ea
CW1 - Moderate Freshwater Conditions #b6d0e5
CW2 - Severe Freshwater Conditions #91abd0
CW3 - Extreme Freshwater Conditions #33648d
CW4 - Exceptional Freshwater Conditions #23425f
U.S. Drought Monitor
Value Map Hex Color
D0 #ffff00
D1 #ffcc99
D2 #ff6600
D3 #ff0000
D4 #660000
Air Quality: Level of Concern
Value Map Hex Color
Good #01e400
Moderate #ffff00
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups #ff7e00
Value Map Hex Color
Unhealthy #ff0000
Very Unhealthy #8f3f97
Hazardous #7e0023
U.S. Drought Monitor
Value Map Hex Color
D0 #ffff00
D1 #ffcc99
D2 #ff6600
D3 #ff0000
D4 #660000
Future Conditions for the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint Basin

U.S. Drought Outlooks

Value Map Hex Color
Drought persists #9B634A
Drought remains but improves #DED2BC
Drought removal likely #B2AD69
Drought development likely #FFDE63
No drought predicted #FFFFFF

The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center's Monthly Drought Outlook is issued at the end of each calendar month and is valid for the upcoming month.

The Outlook predicts whether drought will persist, develop, improve, or be removed over the next 30 days or so. Learn more.

The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center's Seasonal (3-Month) Drought Outlook is issued on the third Thursday of each month.

The Outlook predicts whether drought will persist, develop, improve, or be removed over the next three months or so. Learn more.

1-Month Temperature & Precipitation Outlooks

Probability (Percent Chance) of Below-Normal Precipitation
Range Map Hex Color
33% - 40% #f0d493
40% - 50% #d8a750
50% - 60% #bb6d33
60% - 70% #9b5031
70% - 80% #934639
80% - 90% #804000
90% - 100% #4f2f2f
Probability (Percent Chance) of Above-Normal Precipitation
Range Map Hex Color
33% - 40% #b3d9ab
40% - 50% #94cd7e
50% - 60% #48ae38
60% - 70% #3a7b5f
70% - 80% #008e40
80% - 90% #28553d
90% - 100% #285517
Probability (Percent Chance) of Below-Normal Temperature
Range Map Hex Color
33% - 40% #a0c0df
40% - 50% #77b5e2
50% - 60% #389fdb
60% - 70% #005ca1
70% - 80% #2f406f
80% - 90% #221852
90% - 100% #1c1342
Probability (Percent Chance) of Above-Normal Temperature
Range Map Hex Color
33% - 40% #e7b168
40% - 50% #e38b4a
50% - 60% #dc562f
60% - 70% #c72e28
70% - 80% #cc3047
80% - 90% #8a2f38
90% - 100% #622228

The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center (CPC) produces precipitation outlooks for the U.S. The monthly outlook depicts whether there is a greater chance for above- or below-normal conditions over the next month. Learn more.

The National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center (CPC) produces temperature outlooks for the U.S. The monthly outlook depicts whether there is a greater chance for above- or below-normal conditions over the next month. Learn more.

Evaporative Demand (EDDI) Forecast

Dry Conditions
Value Map Hex Color
D4 #730000
D3 #E60000
D2 #FFAA00
D1 #FCD37F
D0 #FFFF00
Wet Conditions
Value Map Hex Color
Near Normal #ffffff
W0 #AAFF55
W1 #01FFFF
W2 #00AAFF
W3 #0000FF
W4 #0000AA
Dry Conditions
Value Map Hex Color
D4 #730000
D3 #E60000
D2 #FFAA00
D1 #FCD37F
D0 #FFFF00
Wet Conditions
Value Map Hex Color
Near Normal #ffffff
W0 #AAFF55
W1 #01FFFF
W2 #00AAFF
W3 #0000FF
W4 #0000AA

The Evaporative Demand Drought Index (EDDI) is an experimental drought monitoring and early warning guidance tool. It examines how anomalous the atmospheric evaporative demand (also known as "the thirst of the atmosphere") is for a given location and across a time period of interest.

This experimental EDDI forecast shows projected evaporative demand for the next week. Learn more.

This experimental EDDI forecast shows projected evaporative demand for the next four weeks. Learn more.

Experimental Experimental

Quantitative Precipitation Forecast

Predicted Inches of Precipitation
Range Map Hex Color
0 - 0.01 #ffffff
0.01 - 0.1 #7fff00
0.1 - 0.25 #00cd00
0.25 - 0.5 #008b00
0.5 - 0.75 #104e8b
0.75 - 1 #1e90ff
1 - 1.25 #00b2ee
1.25 - 1.5 #00eeee
1.5 - 1.75 #8968cd
Range Map Hex Color
1.75 - 2 #912cee
2 - 2.5 #8b008b
2.5 - 3 #8b0000
3 - 4 #cd0000
4 - 5 #ee4000
5 - 7 #ff7f00
7 - 10 #cd8500
10 - 15 #ffd700
15 - 20 #ffff00
20 - #ffaeb9
Predicted Inches of Precipitation
Range Map Hex Color
0 - 0.01 #ffffff
0.01 - 0.1 #7fff00
0.1 - 0.25 #00cd00
0.25 - 0.5 #008b00
0.5 - 0.75 #104e8b
0.75 - 1 #1e90ff
1 - 1.25 #00b2ee
1.25 - 1.5 #00eeee
1.5 - 1.75 #8968cd
Range Map Hex Color
1.75 - 2 #912cee
2 - 2.5 #8b008b
2.5 - 3 #8b0000
3 - 4 #cd0000
4 - 5 #ee4000
5 - 7 #ff7f00
7 - 10 #cd8500
10 - 15 #ffd700
15 - 20 #ffff00
20 - #ffaeb9

The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center produces Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts that depict the amount of liquid precipitation expected to fall in a defined period of time. These forecasts are defined as the expected “areal average” (on a 20 x 20 km grid) in inches. This map shows forecast precipitation over the next 24 hours. Learn more.

The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center produces Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts that depict the amount of liquid precipitation expected to fall in a defined period of time. These forecasts are defined as the expected “areal average” (on a 20 x 20 km grid) in inches. This map shows forecast precipitation over the next 7 days. Learn more.

Historical Conditions for the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint Basin

The U.S. Drought Monitor map is updated each Thursday to show the location and intensity of drought across the country. The map uses five classifications: abnormally dry (D0), showing areas that may be going into or are coming out of drought, and four levels of drought: moderate (D1), severe (D2), extreme (D3), and exceptional (D4). This map is used by USDA to trigger disaster declarations and loan eligibility. Individual states and water supply planning may utilize additional information to inform their declarations and actions. The U.S. Drought Monitor is a joint effort of the National Drought Mitigation Center, USDA, and NOAA. Learn more.

Time Period (Years): to