Groundwater Levels Continue Vacillating

Stage II Alarm Drought
Lovelady monitor well: 471.7 elevation ft-msl
Barton Springs: 62 cfs 10-day average

The trend of rollercoaster-like rise and falls in groundwater levels this year continues as big rains in November generated enough surface runoff to cause many of the creeks over the recharge zone of the Barton Springs Segment of the Edwards aquifer to flow for a few days. Barton Creek has been flowing continuously, albeit at a decreasing rate, since November 21st and 22nd over which period some areas received upwards of 5 inches of rain (4.25 inches at District offices). As a result, both Barton Springs and Lovelady monitor well (district drought trigger sites) experienced sudden rises in their hydrographs. Currently, Barton Springs discharge has started falling after reaching a maximum 10-day average of 65cfs; Water level in Lovelady monitor well continues to rise. According to District rules, both drought triggers sites must be above their respective drought thresholds for a drought declaration to be lifted. It is unlikely that the Lovelady well water level will rise above the 478.4 ft-msl Stage II Alarm Drought threshold before peaking, but that remains to be seen. The season's cool temperatures and cloudy weather improve the odds that any rain we do get will have a better chance of generating considerable amounts of recharge. The Climate Prediction Center has increased the likelihood it places on the development of ENSO conditions for this winter to 65% and expect it to last into spring 2015.

See the District's latest official Drought Chart here: http://www.bseacd.org/aquifer-science/drought-status/