A.
Four phases of
drought alert are established herein, each identified by
drought
indices. Declines in streamflow or aquifer levels that are not associated with
drought shall not be used for declaration of
drought alert phases.
Drought
stage evaluation as indicated by quantified indices includes, but is not
limited to:
(1) Incipient drought alert phase,
Palmer
Drought Index of -0.50 to -1.49; Crop Moisture Index of 0.00 to -1.49;
Standard Precipitation Index of 0.00 to -0.99; Keetch Byram
Drought Index of
300 to 399; U.S.
Drought Monitor of D0; Average daily streamflow is 111%-120%
of the
minimum flow for two consecutive weeks; Static water level in an aquifer
is between 11 feet and 20 feet above
trigger level for two consecutive months;
The incipient drought may be declared if any of the indices
indicate an incipient drought, however, indication by one index alone does not
mandate a declaration. The incipient drought phase shall initiate inhouse
mobilization by department personnel and the Drought Response Committee. The
department shall routinely monitor the climatic variables, streamflow, and
water levels in potable drinking water supplies and water levels in the above
and below ground water tables and lakes, and shall notify the Drought Response
Committee and relevant federal, state, and local agencies that a portion of the
State is experiencing an incipient drought condition.
(2) Moderate drought alert phase, Palmer
Drought Index of -1.50 to -2.99; Crop Moisture Index of -1.50 to -2.99;
Standard Precipitation Index of -1.00 to -1.49; Keetch Byram
Drought Index of
400 to 499; U.S.
Drought Monitor of D1; Average daily streamflow is 101%-110%
of the
minimum flow for two consecutive weeks; Static water level in an aquifer
is between 1 feet and 10 feet above
trigger level for two consecutive months;
A moderate drought may be declared if any of the indices
indicate a moderate drought, however, indication by one index alone does not
mandate a declaration. During a moderate drought, statements must be released
to the news media by the department, and appropriate agencies must accelerate
monitoring activities.
(3)
Severe drought alert phase, Palmer
Drought Index of -3.00 to -3.99; Crop
Moisture Index of -3.00 to -3.99; Standard Precipitation Index of -1.50 to
-1.99; Keetch Byram
Drought Index of 500 to 699; U.S.
Drought Monitor of D2;
Average daily streamflow is between the
minimum flow and 90% of the minimum for
two consecutive weeks; Static water level in an aquifer is between the
trigger
level and 10 feet below for two consecutive months;
This phase must be verified utilizing data, forecasts, and
outlooks from various agencies. Indication by one index alone does not mandate
a declaration. A drought of this severity may require water withdrawal and
water use restrictions.
(4)
Extreme drought alert phase, Palmer
Drought Index of -4.00 and below; Crop
Moisture Index reaches or falls below -4.00; Standard Precipitation Index
reaches or falls below -2.00 Keetch Byram
Drought Index reaches or exceeds 700;
U.S.
Drought Monitor of D3 or higher; Average daily streamflow is less than 90%
of the minimum for two consecutive weeks; Static water level in an aquifer is
more than 10 feet below the
trigger level for two consecutive months.
The department shall continue to evaluate information from
various sources. Indication by one index alone does not mandate a declaration.
Upon confirmation of an Extreme Drought Alert Phase, the Drought Response
Committee may recommend that the Governor issue a public statement that an
extreme drought situation exists and that appropriate water-use and withdrawal
restrictions be imposed.
