If we’ve learned one thing about rainfall at the sub-basins in 2015, it’s that it is anything but average.

July’s observed rainfall fell in line with the pattern established by previous months this year, where the odd numbered months fell short and even numbered months surpassed the averages at each of the sub-basins.

While there is nothing impressive about receiving three inches of rain in 31 days (Hartwell: 3.1; Russell 3.2; and Thurmond: 3.6), especially when the sub-basins average 5.2, 4.3 and 4.3 inches, respectively, a closer look at how those three inches were dispersed provides support for the “every little bit counts” mantra.

At Hartwell, the wettest day of the month was July 3, which, after raining most of the day, netted six-tenths of an inch. Similarly, the 48-hour period from July 2-3 at Russell and Thurmond garnered 1.7 and 2 inches, respectively, more than half of each sub-basin’s total for the month.

Throughout the rest of the month, the sub-basins basked in the early- to late-evening mist, which rarely exceeded three-tenths of an inch.

And though these miniscule amounts combined to push the observed rainfall over three inches at each sub-basin, they left much to be desired, especially considering just two years ago in July Hartwell received more than 13 inches, with Russell and Thurmond hovering around 10 inches.

Yet at the same time, these numbers definitely could have been worse.

Hartwell didn’t even top three inches in July for six straight years between 2006-2011; and Thurmond and Russell shared similar struggles between 2009-2011 (Russell was the star performer when it squeaked over that bar in 2009 by posting 3.14 inches).

So as summer winds down and students head back to school with high marks on their minds, is expecting the sub-basins to just be average too much to ask for? Here’s to putting hopes in August.

~ Jeremy S. Buddemeier, public affairs specialist

– See more at: http://balancingthebasin.armylive.dodlive.mil/2015/08/06/july-rainfall-update/#more-2102

The erratic spring cycle of high highs and low lows appears to have leveled off in June, as each of the sub-basins arrived much closer to its 67-year average for the first month of summer.

While Russell and Thurmond exceeded their averages with 113 percent and 107 percent (4.32 and 4.07 inches versus 3.83- and 3.81-inch averages, respectively), Hartwell fell just below the mark, receiving 4.5 inches — or 94 percent — of its 4.82-inch average for June.

According to the records generated by the National Weather Service, which uses a spatial average of stage 3 doppler radar, the sub-basins gathered most of their “take” within the first 2 weeks of the month.

During this period, the rain fell steadily throughout the day, whereas for the rest of the month the sub-basins received their rain in the evening and early morning hours.

Looking into the rainfall crystal ball for July, which on average receives slightly more rain than June, it is likely the sub-basins will settle into a regular rhythm like this month, where they receive closer and closer to their average rainfall.

Historically (in the last decade), the first week of July has been mostly dry, so there’s more than a good chance for a beautiful weekend.

I’m no meteorologist, though, so the best I can offer is optimism for a sunny, fun-filled (and safe) Independence Day weekend.

Courtesy Corp of engineers

As the temperatures rise and summer shifts into full gear, the recreation areas along the Savannah River Basin are, too.

And while it’s still early in the season, Chrissy Alford, recreation chief ranger at J. Strom Thurmond Dam & Lake, has already noticed a difference.

“We’ve definitely had a lot of visitation compared to last year,” Alford said. “In May alone the numbers are up 20 percent.”

Alford attributed the uptick in visitors to the warm weather and the fact that the lake is sitting at full pool.

More than 70 miles upriver, Scott Kelley, natural resource program manager at Hartwell Dam and Lake, has a similar experience.

“It’s been really busy thus far,” Kelley said. “Weekend traffic has been heavy. Campgrounds and day-use areas seem busier than normal.”

And as if the prime conditions weren’t enough, special events at the recreation areas will give the public more reasons to enjoy the outdoors.

At Hartwell next week, June 27 from 8-10 p.m., the Hart County Chamber of Commerce will host a Pre-Fourth of July celebration at Big Oaks, which will include a fireworks display, along with myriad vendors selling everything from shave ice to barbecue to boiled peanuts.

Meanwhile, three Fourth of July events are in the works at Thurmond.

Thurmond Lake Sail & Power Squadron is planning a boat parade and beach party for July 4. The event will start at Dorn Fishing Facility, continue to Plum Branch Yacht Club, and finish at Savannah Lakes Marina Beach with a beach party. Smaller events at Thomson Boat Club, July 3, and Soap Creek Marina, July 11, are still in the planning phases.

Alford also said she and her team at Thurmond are starting to gear up for National Public Lands Day, held annually the last Saturday in September. On this day, volunteers focus on service projects to beautify a designated area in a park.

Last year, Alford said more than 200 people sanded picnic tables, trimmed underbrush and picked up litter at Thurmond’s West Dam Recreation Area.

With all the fun in the sun, though, officials are reminding the public to enjoy the outdoors safely.

In February, Hartwell recorded one recreation-related fatality while four drownings at Thurmond stunned park employees and visitors before the midpoint of the recreation season.

Wearing properly sized lifejackets can thwart these preventable deaths, said Corps National Water Safety Program Manager Pam J. Doty.

“Guests should make sure life jackets are buckled and sized properly,” Doty said. “Children should not wear life jackets that are too large because it will slip over their head if they fall in the water and they could drown. Life jackets are categorized by a person’s weight, so check the label and test it to make sure it fits snug.”

David Quebedeaux, a Corps park ranger at Thurmond, has already responded to several water-related accidents this year.

“We retrieved a couple of guys out of the lake who were lucky,” he said. “They didn’t have their life jackets on, but they were able to grab them as the boat was capsizing. They admitted if they did not have those life jackets, they would’ve drowned.”

At all Savannah Corps lake sites, visitors swim at their own risk. The Corps encourages adults to watch children because most people drown within 10 feet of safety.

If scorching temperatures continue through the summer, finding resourceful ways to beat the heat will be as important as remaining safe while in the water.

Stay hydrated by drinking cool water, wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, apply sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, and limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. When camping, swimming or lounging at your favorite day-use area, find shady areas to cool-off, rest and recharge.

For the full scoop on upcoming events, contact the recreation area’s visitor center: Hartwell, J. Strom Thurmond, and Richard B. Russell. Find more heat safety tips at the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention website.

Editor’s Note: Chelsea Smith contributed reporting.

~Jeremy S. Buddemeier, Corporate Communications Office

– See more at: http://balancingthebasin.armylive.dodlive.mil/2015/06/17/lakes-prepare-for-busy-summer/#more-2047