Below-average rainfall trend continues

For the last seven months, with the exception of December, the Savannah River reservoirs have received below-average rainfall. The Army Corps reports that trend continued throughout March, with below-average rainfall at the Hartwell, Russell and Thurmond sub-basins. The Hartwell and Russell sub-basins both recorded 3.9 inches of rain in March. That equates to 79.7% of normal at Russell and 64.8% of normal at Hartwell. The Thurmond sub-basin received most rainfall. Water managers are monitoring conditions and, as needed, making adjustments to operations. Tuesday marked the end of the “winter drawdown” period at the reservoirs. Fish-spawning season begins in mid-month, and the corps considers it critical that there is no more than a six-inch drop in level until spawning season draws to a close around the end of May.