Drought effects likely to expand

While most of the state remains under the grip of a major drought, the effects are likely to be far reaching.

Stream flows are at all-time recorded lows and most of the state is in an extreme drought, including most of Alleghany County, according to information issued last week by the N.C. Drought Council. A small slice of far eastern Alleghany County is classified in severe drought.

The drought classifications include five levels of drought activity: abnormally dry, moderate drought, severe drought, extreme drought and exceptional drought.

Portions of the far southwestern tip of the state are in an exceptional drought.

Concerns about adequate forage for livestock this winter recently prompted a special meeting on alternative feeds at the Upper Mountain Research Center in Laurel Springs.

Forecasts for fall fire danger have increased, while the forecast for leaf color viewing is less than optimistic by most accounts. The range of leaf viewing opportunities may vary greatly from one area to another, but there is little doubt that the drought will have an effect on the leaf season's duration and viewing opportunities.

As for the fire danger, the fall fire season typically begins when leaves start to drop and gather on the forest floor, adding ready fuel for wildfires. With the leaves possibly dropping earlier due to the drought, concerns about the season beginning sooner and lasting longer have been raised. In addition, dry conditions make it all the more easy for fires to start from such sources as cigarettes, outdoor burning and lightning strikes.

Fall Foliage

The drought that has plagued most of North Carolina this summer will probably have an adverse effect on fall foliage across the state this fall.

 

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