Drought in Arrowhead (updated November 4, 2010)
Cook County and portions of Lake County are designated as undergoing Moderate drought. Precipitation totals since mid-March are less than eighteen inches for sections of northeastern Minnesota, more than four inches short of average (maps below). In many of these areas, mid-March through early November precipitation totals rank below the 10th percentile (one year in ten) when compared with past years over the same seasonal interval.
Other areas in northeastern Minnesota are considered to be Abnormally Dry. Much of this region experienced growing season precipitation shortfalls in 2009 and lower than average snowfall this past winter.
Although the U.S. Drought Monitor no longer indicates drought in east central Minnesota, some hydrologic systems in this area remain impacted by long-term dryness that began in June of 2008. This long-term precipitation anomaly is responsible for low water levels in larger lakes and wetland complexes across Anoka, Ramsey, Chisago, and Washington counties.
The very dry weather has led to stream discharge values in northeastern Minnesota that rank below the 10th percentile when compared with historical data for the date. Lake Superior water level is seven inches below last year's level at this time of year and 13 inches below the historical average.
2010 seasonal precipitation maps:
- Daily Radar-based Precipitation Estimates for Previous Seven Days
- Weekly Precipitation Map (prepared Monday by 2:00 PM)
- Weekly Temperature and Precipitation Table (prepared Monday by Noon)
- Daily Precipitation Tables and Maps
Sector Information Resources:
Crop Progress and Soil Moisture (MN Agricultural Statistics Service)
Soil Moisture Model (University of Washington)
Vegetation Drought Response Index (National Drought Mitigation Center)
- Stream Flow
Daily Stream Discharge Map (U.S. Geological Survey)
Weekly Stream Discharge Map (MN DNR - Division of Waters)
- Lake and Wetland Levels
White Bear Lake Water Level (Minnesota DNR)
Lake Minnetonka Water Level (Minnehaha Creek Watershed District)
Lake Superior Water Level (Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory)
Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake Water Levels (Lake of the Woods Control Board)
- Wildfire Danger
Wildfire Danger Map (MNDNR - Division of Forestry)