Drought Improvement 

For the first time in months, the drought monitor for our state has changed, and changed for the better. Recent rains in the NW and far northern counties have been beneficial. Right now 11 percent of the state is in no drought at all and that line runs roughly from Cedartown to Canton to Dahlonega and points north. But the bigger change is the slide of the severe and extreme drought status from the northern suburbs to the south.  Yes, this is an improvement, but still 58% of the state is in an severe and extreme (levesl 3 and 4 out of 5).

The current level at Lake Lanier is at 1058.56' which is 11 and half feet below winter full pool, and 5 and half feet below the December average. On a positive note, the current level is well above the record low of 1050.79' set back on December 26, 2007. Also, the Army Corps of Engineers is forecasting the lake to maintain the current level, give or take a few inches, thru mid January.

Why the drought improvement? In addition to the rain, this time of year evaporation rates are low and with vegetation dormant, plants do not require as much water, so there is plenty of run off into lakes, rivers and streams when it does rain. I hopeful this trend will continue and will be watching carefully. Peace.