Kansas 2012 Drought Update - Kansas Water Office

1. KANSAS 2012 DROUGHT UPDATE – March 2, 2012
Summary of Conditions and Changes for February 2012
Although conditions are less severe than in January, Kansas drought declarations remain in effect due to
significant moisture deficits reflected in very low soil moisture that has the potential to affect crops in the coming
year.
The U.S. Drought Monitor has remained constant for the past three weeks. Early February precipitation and the
relatively low normal precipitation for this time of year have contributed to perceived improvement in central and
eastern Kansas during early February. Despite improvements in regard to severity of drought, over 61 percent of
the state remains abnormally dry.
Administration of junior water rights to meet Minimum Desirable Stream flows remain in effect on the Little
Arkansas above Alta Mills.
Counties under Kansas drought stages and/or Federal Agriculture Disaster Declarations based on drought in 2011 are
shown on the map below. These remain in effect as the overall conditions for plant growth and deficits in precipitation
require careful consideration in planning for future water use and needs as well as crop and pasture conditions.
County Drought Declarations: A total of 100 counties are under state drought stages, with 40 counties in an emergency
stage, 23 in Warning and 37 in Watch. State Emergency allows public water suppliers aid and opportunities to supplement
their water supply, as well as provide opportunity for domestic and livestock water from emergency sources.
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2. Kansas Drought Emergency:
Allen, Barber, Barton, Butler, Chase, Clark, Coffey, Comanche, Cowley, Edwards, Finney, Ford, Grant, Gray,
Greenwood, Harper, Harvey, Haskell, Hodgeman, Kearny, Kingman, Kiowa, Lyon, Marion, McPherson, Meade, Morton,
Neosho, Pawnee, Pratt, Reno, Rice, Sedgwick, Seward, Stafford, Stanton, Stevens, Sumner, Wilson, Woodson
Kansas Drought Warning:
Anderson, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Cherokee, Crawford, Elk, Franklin, Gove, Greeley, Hamilton, Labette, Lane, Linn,
Logan, Miami, Montgomery, Morris, Ness, Osage, Scott, Trego, Wallace, Wichita
Kansas Drought Watch:
Cheyenne, Clay, Cloud, Decatur, Dickinson, Douglas, Ellis, Ellsworth, Geary, Graham, Jefferson, Jewel, Johnson,
Leavenworth, Lincoln, Marshall, Mitchell, Norton, Osborne, Ottawa, Phillips, Pottawatomie, Rawlins, Republic, Riley,
Rooks, Rush, Russell, Saline, Shawnee, Sheridan, Sherman, Smith, Thomas, Wabaunsee, Washington, Wyandotte
Federal: No federal agricultural disaster designations due to drought have been made so far in 2012. USDA agricultural
disaster declarations are based on anticipated crop losses, while Kansas drought stages are based primarily on water
resource conditions.
A total of 79 counties are designated federal agricultural disasters during 2011 (S3117, S3061, S3156, S3167 & S3189)
due to drought, high winds and excessive temperatures and are now eligible for federal programs, along with the
contiguous counties. The first 2011 designation (S3117) terminated January 10, 2012. The remaining 2011 designations
terminate throughout 2012 ending with S3198, centered in Oklahoma but including four Kansas counties as contiguous,
terminating July 9, 2012. Termination date refers to the deadline for applications for assistance such as loans for the
disaster. According to USDA, Kansas farmers have received $987.3 million for crops lost in 2011, with more claims
expected.
Major disaster declarations affecting Kansas:
Presidential Declarations
Number Description Termination Date
• M4035 Flooding 05/23/2012
• M4014 Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding 04/12/2012
• M4012 Flooding 04/12/2012
• M4010 Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding 03/29/2012
Secretarial Declarations
Number Description Termination Date
• S3209 Severe storms with hail and high winds 08/08/2012
• S3198 Drought and excessive heat 07/09/2012
• S3196 Severe storms with excessive rain, flash flooding, hail, and high winds 07/09/2012
• S3189 Drought, excessive heat, and high winds 06/27/2012
• S3186 Drought and excessive heat 06/18/2012
• S3173 High winds, hail, and a tornado 05/29/2012
• S3167 Drought, excessive heat, and high winds. 05/20/2012
• S3164 Excessive rain and flooding 05/15/2012
• S3157 Excessive rain, high winds, hail, and flooding 04/25/2012
• S3156 Drought, excessive heat, and high winds 04/25/2012
S3139 The combined effects of drought, wildfires, excessive heat, excessive rain,
flooding, tornadoes, lightning, high winds, hail, blizzards, and freezes 03/27/2012
• S3134 Flooding 03/19/2012
• S3133 Drought 03/08/2012
• S3125 Drought 02/24/2012
• S3121 Drought, excessive heat, and high winds 02/23/2012
Up-to-date information regarding designated counties and assistance available due to these declarations is available here:
http://www.fema.gov/dhsusda/index.jsp.
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3. Brief explanations, program requirements and contact information for disaster relief programs are found at
http://www.disasterassistance.gov/federal-agency/2.
General Conditions
U.S. Drought Monitor for February 28 indicates near normal conditions in the northern portion of the State. This latest
Drought Monitor shows the same conditions as the previous two weeks, with the percentage of the state in each drought
category remaining the same. Biggest improvement during February was a reduction in the area covered by exceptional to
extreme drought (D3-D4) after the early month storms. The exceptional drought continues at 0.22 percent of the state.
Currently, just over 61 percent of the state is reported as abnormally dry to exceptional drought.
More information on the Drought Monitor categories can be found in a separate document under useful links on the KWO
drought page.
US Drought Monitor - February 28, 2012
Climate (Precipitation and Temperature)
February was warmer than average. However, it was also
much wetter than normal across the state.
Preliminary statewide average precipitation was 1.77
inches, which was 205 percent of normal. This makes it the 12th wettest February since 1895. The South Central division
was the wettest in overall precipitation at an average of 3.03 inches or 313 percent of normal. The Southwestern was the
driest, with an average precipitation of 0.60 inches or 113 percent of normal. Only five days saw no reports of
precipitation, and on 10 days the state-wide average was zero, with only isolated reports of moisture. Heaviest rains
occurred on February 3, with some flooding reported in South Central Kansas. This made substantial inroads on the
January deficits. Drought conditions changed little during the month.
Based on preliminary reports, the greatest total precipitation received in February from the National Weather Service
COOP network stations was 5.73 inches at Kingman, Kingman County. Greatest for the Community Collaborative Rain,
Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) in February was 4.60 inches at Medicine Lodge 0.4 WSW, Barber County. On the
low end of the NWS reporting stations, the lowest report was 0.24 inches at Sharon Springs in Wallace County. For the
CoCoRaHS network, the lowest amount was 0.21 inches at La Crosse 0.3 ENE in Rush County.
The month of February precipitation is summarized by the maps below by the High Plains Regional Climatic Center.
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4. The table below summarizes precipitation by climate division and various time periods. Please note that the data used in
compiling is preliminary and comes from different sources. This may result in slight differences in the average or extreme
values presented.
Kansas Climate Division Precipitation Summary (inches)
Climate February 1-29 January 1 to February 29 April 1 to February 29 September 1 to February 29
Division Actual Normal % Normal Actual Normal % Normal Actual Normal % Normal Actual Normal % Normal
Northwest 0.69 0.44 155 0.72 0.83 87 16.45 18.90 85 4.46 5.12 85
West Central 0.66 0.50 126 0.67 0.92 72 13.71 18.44 74 4.83 5.27 92
Southwest 0.60 0.52 113 0.62 0.91 67 10.63 18.12 59 5.51 5.22 107
North Central 1.50 0.68 217 1.61 1.21 131 22.75 24.92 90 5.61 8.10 67
Central 1.87 0.83 223 1.96 1.45 134 18.63 26.54 70 7.80 9.14 85
South Central 3.03 0.94 317 3.09 1.60 191 16.71 26.25 62 9.94 9.56 101
Northeast 2.31 0.91 253 2.37 1.77 134 26.15 32.87 79 9.51 12.19 78
East Central 2.40 1.02 242 2.43 2.05 123 21.72 34.18 64 10.05 13.25 78
Southeast 2.72 1.37 206 2.77 2.54 112 25.72 35.56 72 13.31 14.83 91
STATE 1.77 0.81 205 1.83 1.48 117 18.77 26.03 71 7.98 9.15 88
Note: 1971-2000 normal value, 100 % =normal
Source: KSU Weather Data Library
The table below summarizes the period’s temperature conditions by climate division, compiled by KSU Weather Data
library. Please note that the data used in compiling the table is preliminary and comes from different sources. This may
result in slight differences in the average or extreme values presented.
Kansas Climate Division Temperature Summary (degrees Fahrenheit)
February 2012
Climate Division Maximum Minimum Average Departure from Normal High Day Low Day
Northwest 45.0 19.5 32.3 0.1 70 29 1 11
West Central 47.4 20.9 34.1 1.1 74 29 5 12
Southwest 49.4 24.3 36.8 1.7 77 29 8 11
North Central 37.9 18.0 28.0 -3.0 69 29 0 1
Central 49.1 24.2 36.6 3.5 72 29 4 12
South Central 49.7 26.2 37.9 2.6 75 23 9 11
Northeast 46.8 24.4 35.6 4.5 65 23 1 12
East Central 48.9 27.6 38.3 5.4 69 23 4 12
Southeast 51.4 28.8 40.1 4.5 71 23 9 11
STATE 47.3 23.8 35.5 2.3 77 29 0 1
The state-wide average temperature of 35.5 oF was 2.3 degrees warmer than normal. This marked it as the 43rd warmest
February on record (1895-2011) for the state. The warmest February occurred in 1930, when the state-wide average
temperature was 45.1 oF. February 1899 was the coolest with a statewide average temperature of 18.4 oF.
The North Central division broke the above average pattern, with an average of 28 oF, which was 3 degrees cooler than
normal. The Southeastern division, with an average of 40.1 oF was the warmest at 4.5 degrees above normal. The warmest
temperatures were seen at the end of the month. The highest reading was 77 oF at Ashland (Clark County) on the 29th.
Daily record high was set at only one location, Perry Lake (Jefferson County) on the 6th. On the low temperature side, no
record lows were set, but 4 record high minimums were seen. The coldest reading for the month was 0 oF at Burr Oak
(Jewell County) on the 1st.
Average monthly temperatures at individual reporting locations ranged from 45.5 oF at Great Bend (Barton County) to
30.4 oF at Norton (Norton County). The highest temperature recorded in Kansas during February was 77 oF at Ashland
(Clark County) on the 29th. The coldest reading observed in the state during February was 0 oF at Burr Oak (Jewell
County) on the 1st.
The following maps show average monthly temperature and the departure from normal across Kansas during February.
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5.
The table below summarizes February temperature and precipitation conditions by climate division while Appendix A provides the
February summary for principal reporting locations within and adjacent to Kansas. Please note that the data used in compiling Table 1
and Appendix A is preliminary and comes from different sources. This may result in slight differences in the average or extreme
values presented.
Kansas Climate Division Summary-Departures from Normal
Precipitation (inches) Temperature (oF)
February 2012 2012 through February Monthly Extremes
Departure Departure Departure
from % from % from
Climate Division Total Normal 1 Normal Total Normal 1 Normal Ave Normal 1 Max Min
Northwest 0.69 0.25 155 0.72 -0.11 87 32.3 0.1 70 1
West Central 0.66 0.16 126 0.67 -0.25 72 34.1 1.1 74 5
Southwest 0.60 0.08 113 0.62 -0.29 67 36.8 1.7 77 8
North Central 1.50 0.82 217 1.61 0.40 131 28.0 -3.0 69 0
Central 1.87 1.04 223 1.96 0.51 134 36.6 3.5 72 4
South Central 3.03 2.09 317 3.09 1.49 191 37.9 2.6 75 9
Northeast 2.31 1.40 253 2.37 0.60 134 35.6 4.5 65 1
East Central 2.40 1.38 242 2.43 0.38 123 38.3 5.4 69 4
Southeast 2.72 1.35 206 2.77 0.23 112 40.1 4.5 71 9
STATE 1.77 0.96 205 1.83 0.35 117 35.5 2.3 77 0
1. Departure from 1981-2010 normal value
2. State Highest temperature: 77 oF at Ashland (Clark County) on the 29th.
3. State Lowest temperature: 0 oF at Burr Oak (Jewell County) on the 1st.
4. 4. Greatest 24hr rainfall: 4.30 inches on the 4th at Kingman 2.5 SW , Kingman County (CoCoRaHS); 3.35 inches on the 4th at Medicine Lodge
1E, Barber County (NWS)
Source: KSU Weather Data Library
The Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) is a meteorological drought index, and it responds to weather conditions that
have been abnormally dry or abnormally wet. The PDSI is calculated based on precipitation and temperature data, as well
as the local Available Water Content (AWC) of the soil. The table below summarizes conditions by climate division.
Please note that the data used in compiling is preliminary and comes from different sources. This may result in slight
differences in the average or extreme values presented.
The statewide average PDSI for the week ending February 28th was 1.17 (near normal). Divisional PDSI values ranged
from -0.09 in the Southwestern division, which translates to near normal, to 2.17 in the South Central division, which
corresponds to unusually moist.
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6. Public Water Supply Conditions
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for emergency use of state fishing lake water under conditions of drought
emergency declared by the Governor is in place. This will allow communities and individuals within the emergency
counties category to pump water from named state fishing lakes if they are in dire need of water. Individuals and
communities need to contact the KWO for a water supply request and they will in turn be referred to the appropriate
Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism office to obtain the necessary permit to withdraw the water. The MOU
limits the types of water use and a fee may be set for use of the state fishing lakes’ water supply. This MOU establishes a
use priority of domestic, municipal and then livestock uses, while also protecting the lake’s fish population.
The State Fishing Lakes available for withdrawals for Emergency Declared counties include Atchison, Barber, Brown,
Bourbon, Butler, Chase, Clark, Crawford, Goodman, Jewell, Kingman, Leavenworth, Lyon, Pott#1, Pott#2, McPherson,
Miami, Mined Lands (Pits), Neosho, Osage, Ottawa, Saline, Scott, Shawnee, Sheridan, Washington, Wilson and Woodson
Lakes.
Additional water may also be available for Drought Emergency counties from federal lakes. Water from U.S. Army Corps
of Engineer lakes is available for domestic, industrial and livestock use but is prohibited for irrigation use. Requests from
applicants must go through the KWO. It may also be possible to obtain water under surplus contracts from State owned
storage in certain Corps lakes with water available for purchase. Bureau of Reclamation lake water may also be made
available by temporary contract under drought conditions
Local Public Water Supply Status
Throughout the past year of drought, at least 38 public water suppliers in 22 counties initiated conservation measures due
to drought conditions. These include municipal, rural water districts and a community college. Many of these have lifted
restrictions. Although some precipitation has occurred, suppliers are cautioned that supplies remain lower than normal for
the time of year. Review of existing supplies and conservation triggers is recommended to all public water suppliers in
drought affected counties.
Other Water Supply Conditions
In eastern Kansas, the primary source of water is surface water including: rivers, federal reservoirs, multipurpose small
lakes and municipal lakes. Many federal reservoirs store water for public water supply and other uses. The lakes which
have water supply through the Water Marketing and/or Water Assurance programs include Big Hill, Clinton, Council
Grove, Elk City, Hillsdale, John Redmond, Kanopolis, Marion, Melvern, Milford, Pomona, Perry and Tuttle Creek. Cedar
Bluff, Glen Elder and Keith Sebelius reservoirs also contain supply water for a community.
In lakes where all state owned water is not under contract, it may be possible to negotiate for an emergency water supply.
As of March 1, 2012 no releases are being made from state storage in federal reservoirs for downstream needs.
General Reservoir Conditions
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7. Kansas Federal Reservoir Conservation Pool Levels
Top of Multipurpose/Conservation Pool Multipurpose/Conservation Change from Top of
Reservoir (Feet MSL) Pool Elevation (Feet MSL) Pool (Feet)
Kansas River Basin 3/01/2012
Norton1 2304.3 2298.90 -5.40
Harlan County, NE 1946 1947.21 1.21
Lovewell1 1582.6 1582.22 -0.38
Milford1 1144.4 1144.66 0.26
Cedar Bluff 2144 2126.33 -17.67
Kanopolis1 1463 1463.15 0.15
Wilson1 1516 1515.68 -0.32
Webster1 1892.5 1888.22 -4.28
Kirwin1 1729.3 1729.37 0.07
Waconda1 1455.6 1454.48 -1.12
Tuttle Creek1 1075 1075.22 0.22
Perry1 891.5 891.19 -0.31
Clinton1 875.5 874.11 -1.39
Melvern1 1036 1033.73 -2.27
Pomona1 974 973.79 -0.21
Hillsdale1 917 915.39 -1.61
Arkansas River Basin 3/01/2012
Cheney 1421.6 1418.75 -2.85
El Dorado 1339 1336.67 -2.33
Toronto1 901.5 901.93 0.43
Fall River1 948.5 950.01 1.51
Elk City1 796 797.22 1.22
Big Hill 858 857.56 -0.44
Council Grove1 1274 1274.59 0.59
Marion1 1350.5 1348.71 -1.79
John Redmond1 1039 1041.52 2.52
1. Lake level management plan in place Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Streamflow Conditions
The comparison of streamflow for March 1, 2012 for all days of the year is shown on the map below. Recent flow is
compared to the historical streamflow in Kansas for the past 45 days on the USGS graph. Both indicate below normal
streamflows.
USGS seven day average stream flow compared to normal flow values recorded for all days of the year during all years
measurements have been collected. In general, a streamflow which is greater than the 75 percentile is considered above
normal, a streamflow which is between 25 and 75 percentiles is considered normal and a streamflow which is less than
the 25 percentile is considered below normal. Color codes are for basins with streamflow averages less than 25 percent of
historic values.
Historical Stream Flow Compared to Year
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8. Water Right Administration/Minimum Desirable Streamflow (MDS)
Minimum Desirable Streamflow (MDS) administration has ended on all streams except a portion of the Little Arkansas
River above Alta Mills.
The table below shows the gage name for the location on the map where administration is occuring, as well as providing
flows in cubic feet per second (cfs) at selected gaging stations as of February 16 for streams where MDS is of interest.
Streamflows in Cubic Feet per Second (cfs)
ADMINISTRATION
March 1, Flow March MDS
Gaging Station STATUS
Republican River at Concordia 411 150
Republican River at Clay Center 577 200
Smoky Hill River at Ellsworth 21 25
Little Arkansas River at Alta Mills 704 8 5/12/11
Little Arkansas River: Orders were effective May 12 and July 13 requiring cessation of pumping on sections of the Little
Arkansas River. These orders pertain to the basin which drains to the Little Arkansas River between Alta Mills and Valley
Center respectively. The orders have been lifted above Valley Center but remain in effect for 8 water rights above Alta
Mills.
Burn Bans and Fires
Most counties require permits prior to a burn and are controlling burns through that process. A county issues a ban as they
deem necessary at any time, for a specific time period or until repealed. Dry conditions in much of Kansas allow fires to
start or spread easily. Please contact your county officials before you burn. Conditions continue that allow fires to start
easily. The outlooks change daily. See http://www.spc.noaa.gov/fire/ for current information.
Kansas Vegetative Conditions
The green colors on the GreenReport map this
week indicate areas where winter wheat is
sitting dormant in the fields. Most areas in
between remain in the yellow color/watch
category, as dry conditions have prevailed thru
the winter. (Kansas Applied Remote Sensing
Program)
Appendix B also shows the plant conditions.
Crops, Feed and Livestock
USDA Crop Progress and Condition reports
are issued monthly during winter. The most
recent report, February 27, 2012, reports
topsoil moisture supplies improved during the
month to 11 percent very short, 25 percent
short, 62 percent adequate, and 2 percent
surplus. A year ago, topsoil moisture supplies
were 20 percent very short, 23 percent short,
49 percent adequate, and 8 percent surplus.
The range and pasture condition was rated 29 percent very poor, 25 percent poor, 32 percent fair, and 14 percent good,
which indicated a slight increase from January but still significantly worse than last year at this time. Feed grain supplies
in Kansas were rated at 10 percent very short, 18 percent short, 69 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus, while hay and
forage supplies were rated at 26 percent very short, 28 percent short, 44 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. The
stock water supplies improved to 10 percent very short, 19 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.
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9. Emergency Haying and Grazing
Emergency haying and grazing of CRP acreage were authorized in 2011 to provide relief to livestock producers in areas
affected by a severe drought or similar natural disaster. If conditions warrant, authorization will need to be issued again in
2012 to allow emergency haying and grazing and other federal program aid for livestock feed.
USDA Risk Management Agency provides information on crop insurance and drought damaged crops can be found at
http://www.rma.usda.gov/fields/ks_rso/2011/droughtfaq.pdf.
Future Outlook
The March 1 – May 31, 2012 U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook by the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) indicates drought
conditions are expected to continue in the southern portions of the state. The central and southern High Plains has been
fairly dry during the past few weeks. Some improvement is possible in extreme eastern and southeastern Kansas. For
precipitation, the updated CPC monthly outlook, as well as the seasonal outlook for March favors below-median
precipitation across the all but eastern Kansas, and above median temperatures. The La Niña continues and is expected to
influence the precipitation patterns into the spring, with drier than normal conditions expected across the Southern Plains.
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10. NOAA outlook for the next 14 days and three months:
The Kansas Weekly Climate Summary and Drought Report is compiled at least monthly, more frequently when
conditions warrant, by the Kansas Water Office (KWO). Information from various federal, state, local and academic
sources is used. Some of the data is preliminary and subject to change once final data is available. The KWO web site,
KWO Drought, contains additional drought information including links to other agencies with drought information and
past issues of the Kansas Climate Summary and Drought Report. Kansas State Climatologist, Mary Knapp, is the primary
source of the narrative on weather. She works closely with meteorologists throughout the state and region. Details of
current conditions at Evapotranspiration (ET) and Mesonet sites across Kansas are available at http://www.ksre.k-
state.edu/wdl/.
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11. RESOURCES and ACTIVITIES
The U.S. Drought Monitor, from the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, provides
a “big picture” perspective of conditions across the nation. In the Kansas county drought stage scheme, a Drought
Watch equates roughly to moderate drought in the U.S. Drought Monitor, while a Drought Warning is the equivalent
of severe drought. A Drought Emergency is reserved for extreme or exceptional drought. Palmer Drought Severity
Index - The Palmer Index (PDSI) is one indicator used in the U.S. Drought Monitor.
The High Plains Regional Climate Center provides precipitation and temperature summary maps.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Drought Watch provides information on 7-day average streamflow measured at
long-term gaging stations and compares them to normal flows.
The Kansas Department of Agriculture-Division of Water Resources monitors stream flow using the USGS gages for
determination of administrative needs. Administration may be needed due to Minimum Desirable Streamflow (MDS)
requirements, impairments, and reservoir release protection.
The water levels of the federal lakes fluctuate during a year according to the management plan. Lake level Management
plans are posted on the Kansas Water Office web site www.kwo.org.
The Kansas Applied Remote Sensing Program (KARS) at the University of Kansas produces a Kansas Green Report each
week during the growing season. For a full set of national and regional GreenReport® maps, go to:
http://www.kars.ku.edu/products/greenreport/greenreport.shtml. This Kansas Vegetation Drought Response Index
map is developed weekly by the Kansas Biological Survey using state drought triggers as its key. In addition the
Vegetation Drought Response Index, by the National Drought Mitigation Center provides another a national
perspective on vegetation conditions. VegDRI maps may be found at http://vegdri.unl.edu/
The National Weather Service (NWS) provides fire weather products and services for Kansas that include the Rangeland
Fire Danger Index, Fire Weather Forecasts, Red Flag Watches/Warnings, and Spot Forecasts. The five NWS offices
that serve Kansas websites may be accessed from the NWS Offices’ page.
The Seasonal Drought Outlook, developed by the NOAA Climate Prediction Center (NOAA CPC), assesses the
likelihood for improvement, persistence or deterioration in drought conditions for areas currently experiencing
drought as identified by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Also see:
http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/dm/weekly-dm-animations.html
Responding to Drought: A Guide for City, County and Water System Officials provides an overview of Kansas county
drought stage declarations, local planning and coordination, disaster declarations, and available state and federal
assistance. The 2007 Municipal Water Conservation Plan Guidelines and the Drought Vulnerability Assessment
Report, both by Kansas Water Office, provide guidance regarding drought preparedness and response.
USDA has programs for agricultural producers and businesses for drought affected areas. In some cases a eligibility is
dependent on a federal disaster declaration but other programs are triggered by specific conditions.
Please contact Diane Coe at the Kansas Water Office (785) 296-3185 or diane.coe@kwo.ks.gov should you have any
questions or suggestions.
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12. Appendix A
February 2012 Summary
Precipitation (inches) Temperature oF
Extreme (Date)
Percent
Station1 Total Departure Normal Mean Departure Highest Lowest
West
Burlington, CO 0.43 0.01 102% 30.8 -0.8 65 (22) 6 (8)
Dodge City 0.96 0.28 141% 36.5 0.6 73 (28) 9 (11)
Garden City 0.37 -0.17 69% 35.7 0.9 72 (22) 9 (11)
Goodland 0.42 -0.07 86% 32.7 0.4 67 (22) 1 (11)
Guymon, OK 0.31 -0.16 66% 38.5 -0.1 76 (22) 16 (11, 8)
Hill City 0.67 0.15 129% 33.9 1.0 0.9671 (28) 3 (12)
Lamar, CO 0.20 -0.17 54% 35.5 1.9 75 (25) 12 (27)
McCook, NE 0.37 -0.25 60% 32.2 1.3 66 (28) 3 (11)
Springfield, CO 0.22 -0.22 50% 35.4 0.0 71 (22) 12 (8)
Central
Concordia 2.28 1.49 289% 36.1 3.4 64 (22) 4 (12, 11)
Hebron, NE
Medicine Lodge 4.96 3.92 447% 39.7 1.5 73 (22) 12 (11)
Ponca City, OK 2.48 1.14 185% 41.8 2.1 71 (22) 14 (12)
Salina 2.02 0.85 173% 37.6 2.1 69 (22) 7 (11)
Wichita (ICT) 3.57 2.39 303% 40.5 3.3 74 (22) 12 (11)
East
Bartlesville, OK 2.73 0.75 138% 42.3 2.5 75 (22) 9 (12)
Chanute 2.57 0.67 135% 40.8 3.4 68 (22) 10 (12)
Fall City, NE 1.95 1.01 207% 35.2 4.3 63 (1) 1 (12)
Johnson Co. Exec. Apt 0.58 -0.99 37% 39.4 4.6 63 (28) 7 (12)
Joplin, MO 2.58 0.26 111% 42.7 2.9 72 (28) 8 (12)
Kansas City (MCI), MO 3.13 1.67 214% 38.1 4.6 63 (1) 5 (12,11)
St. Joseph, MO 2.28 1.35 245% 36.4 4.4 63 (26,1) 2 (12)
Topeka (TOP 2.72 1.4 206% 39.9 5.5 66 (26) 8 (12)
1. Airport Automated Observation Stations (NWS/FAA)
2. Departure from 1981-2010 normal value
T - Trace; M - Missing; --- no normal value from which to calculate departure or percent of normal
Source: National Weather Service F-6 Climate Summaries
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13. Appendix B
Compared to the 23-year average at this time for Kansas, this year’s Vegetation Condition Report for February 17 – 30 from K-State’s
Ecology and Agriculture Spatial Analysis Laboratory shows that photosynthetic activity continues to be greater than would be expected.
This is especially true from Central to South Central KS, and parts of Southeastern KS. Warmer temperatures have resulted in more
photosynthetic activity than is common at this time of the year.
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