Another explanation of the snow fall and water aquifer replenishment process. Via Northeast Weather Alert:
"Here is an explanation to help some of you better understand the current situation. I can only do my best to explain the science behind it and share the information. What you choose to do with that information is entirely up to you. However, I will go through this one more time to clarify how and why these conditions are being classified the way they are.
I’ve had quite a few people telling me lately that we can’t possibly still be in a drought because ponds are full, creeks are flowing again, and I know many of you have sump pumps running overtime right now. I completely understand why it looks that way on the surface, but drought classification looks at much more than what we see in the backyard.
 |
| Why the Northeast Can Still Be in a Drought — Even When Ponds, Creeks, and Sump Pumps Are Busy |
First, drought is measured over longer time periods, not just the last few storms. Much of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic went through months of precipitation deficits last year, which created a shortage in deeper soil moisture, groundwater, and aquifers. A few winter storms and some recent precipitation can certainly improve conditions near the surface, but it takes a sustained period of above-normal precipitation to erase those longer-term deficits.
Second, snowfall does not always translate directly into groundwater recharge. During the winter months, the ground is often frozen, which limits how much water can soak deep into the soil. A good portion of that meltwater instead runs off into creeks and rivers. That’s why streams may look healthy and moving again while deeper groundwater systems are still catching up.
Another factor is that drought monitoring looks at longer-term streamflow averages and groundwater levels, not just a short stretch of wet weather. In parts of the Northeast, 30- to 90-day streamflow averages have still been running below normal, which is why the drought classification has been slow to disappear.
Finally, the most effective recharge period in the Northeast usually comes during early spring, when snowpack melts gradually and the soil begins to thaw. That allows water to finally soak deeper into the ground and begin replenishing aquifers.
So while the recent snow and precipitation have certainly helped — and yes, I know plenty of sump pumps are working overtime — the region is still recovering from a longer-term moisture deficit.
In short, seeing ponds full and creeks flowing again is a good sign, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the drought has fully ended yet.
Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DNfjaeCLv/