FLOOD POTENTIAL OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER FORECAST CENTER, SLIDELL LA
115 PM CST THURSDAY MARCH 16 2006
EAST TENNESSEE VALLEY REGION - SPRING FLOOD POTENTIAL OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER FORECAST CENTER - SLIDELL, LA
VALID FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2006
...FOR EASTERN REGION...WFO`S GSP AND RNK ONLY...
INTRODUCTION
Rainfall over the past 7 days ranged from 0.25 to 1.50 inches across
the Upper Tennessee River Valley. Even with the rainfall, soil moisture
conditions remained below normal and Streamflows remained much below
normal in southwest Virginia and western North Carolina. In addition,
no snow exists in the higher elevations of the Upper Tennessee River
Valley.
UPPER CLINCH AND UPPER HOLSTON BASINS (WFO RNK).....
Streamflows remained much below normal across the Upper Clinch and Upper
Holston Basins. Soil moisture contents remained below seasonal normals.
At this time, no flooding is occurring or expected during the next few
days. Observed streamflows for selected locations are given below.
Observed percent of normal streamflows.....
2/16 3/02 3/16
North Fork of Holston River Saltville, VA 47% 43% 45%
Middle Fork of Holston River Seven Mile Ford, VA 47% 51% 63%
Based on existing soil moisture contents, streamflow conditions, and
normal Winter/Spring rainfall patterns, a BELOW AVERAGE flood potential
is expected for the Upper Clinch and Upper Holston River Basins.
FRENCH BROAD AND UPPER PIGEON, LITTLE TENNESSEE, TUCKASEGEE, and
HIWASSEE BASINS (WFO GSP).....
Streamflows continued much below normal across the French Broad, Pigeon,
Tuckasegee, Hiwassee River, and the upper portions of the Little
Tennessee Basins. Soil moisture contents remain below seasonal normals.
At this time, no flooding is occurring or expected during the next few
days. Observed streamflows for selected locations are shown below.
Observed percent of normal streamflows.....
2/16 3/02 3/16
French Broad River Asheville, NC 87% 55% 38%
Pigeon River Hepco, NC 85% 60% 37%
Tuckasegee River Bryson City, NC 74% 60% 34%
Little Tennessee River Needmore, NC 73% 59% 37%
Based on existing soil moisture contents, streamflow conditions, and
normal Spring rainfall patterns, a BELOW AVERAGE flood potential
is expected for the French Broad and upper portions of the Little
Tennessee, Pigeon, Tuckaseegee, and Hiwassee River Basins.
30-DAY & 90-DAY PRECIPITATION OUTLOOK....
The 30-day meteorological outlook indicates near normal precipitation
and near normal temperatures for southwest Virginia and western North
Carolina. The 90-day outlook indicates near normal temperatures and
below normal precipitation for southwest Virginia and western North
Carolina.
The next Eastern Region Spring Flood Potential Outlook is scheduled
for April 13, 2006.
END LMRFC