Despite recent snowfall in some areas of Western North Carolina, drought conditions persist and have even intensified, debunking the idea that the snow has solved the problem. Sustained rainfall is needed to alleviate the drought.
Why Snowfall Provides Limited Drought Relief
Snow is not an effective drought reliever because it contains less liquid water than rain. Meteorologists use a standard 10-to-1 snow-to-liquid ratio, meaning 10 inches of snow melts to about 1 inch of rain. Drier snow yields even less water. The recent snowfall has not produced enough liquid to offset the rainfall deficit.
Winter typically recharges soil moisture and streamflow. However, recent dry weather, low humidity, and gusty winds have increased evaporation, and snowfall has not provided sufficient deep soil recharge. Asheville has recorded 5.36 inches of rain since December 1, which is 4.32 inches below normal. Greenville-Spartanburg is 5.90 inches below normal since December 1.
Current Drought Severity
98% of North Carolina is in drought, with 62% classified as Severe Drought (D2). Drought conditions in Western North Carolina range from moderate to severe. Affected counties include Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Yancey, Avery, Watauga, Ashe, and Wilkes, among others. Streamflows are below normal, and soil moisture is low for this time of year.
Due to these conditions, the North Carolina Forest Service recomends residents avoid outdoor burning