February 11, 2013 - To date, calendar year 2013 precipitation has been fairly typical with amounts about normal plus or minus up to an inch. The Catskill Region of New York and northeast Pennsylvania have been a bit drier averaging around 1 1/2 inches below normal. Likewise, over the past 90 days, precipitation has been near normal plus or minus up to an inch or so.

Current (February 11) streamflow data from the U.S. Geological Survey shows that streamflows are normal to above normal. Groundwater levels are near or above normal.

The Northeast Blizzard of 2013 largely missed the Mid Atlantic Region bringing, relatively speaking, only small amounts of snow of under a foot to the north and east. Here, in south-central New York, northeast Pennsylvania, and the northern half of New Jersey, snow depths are running 4 to 10 inches. Elsewhere, where snow is on the ground, depths are only running 1 to 2 inches. Snow water equivalent, or the amount of water that will be released from the snow when it melts, is one half to 1 1/2 inches in south-central New York, the northern half of Pennsylvania, and the northern half of New Jersey. Amounts are considerably less elsewhere. For now, this snow water equivalent, where it is at its' highest, is unlikely to add significantly to any stream and/or river rises. This, as recently seen in southern New England, can change quickly.

The weather outlook through most of the rest of February calls for near or above average precipitation along with temperatures near or below normal. The Climate Prediction Center's 30 day outlook for February calls for near average precipitation and temperatures. The 90 day outlook for February through April calls for near average precipitation and above average temperatures.

The outlook for water resources looks very good. There are no areas showing signs of significant dryness and most areas are, in fact, quite wet. With the current snowpack (though not particularly significant at this time) along with the expectation of near or even above average precipitation, water resources and supplies are expected to remain abundant for the next several weeks.

In summary, the northern portion of the MARFC service area has abundant water resources and water supplies. These water resources are likely to increase in the upcoming weeks. With generally near or above normal precipitation expected, water resources should remain abundant and no water shortages are expected for the next several weeks.

End.