Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Monthly Water Resource Summary
June, 2014
Precipitation
June 2014 Indiana precipitation was generally above normal to well above normal across the state, while temperature on the whole was above normal. The statewide monthly precipitation average was about 146 percent of normal. The overall monthly temperature average for Indiana was 72.9 degrees Fahrenheit or 2.4 degrees above normal.
Each of Indiana’s nine climate divisions received above normal precipitation for the month of June. The northwestern climate division received the highest (197.8) percentage of normal precipitation for the month, while the south-central division received the lowest (115) percentage.
For the year-to-date, each of the nine climate divisions have received above normal precipitation, ranging from 104.7 percent for the southwestern climate division to 124.8 percent for the northwestern division. For the 2014 water year starting Oct. 1, 2013, total precipitation is above normal for each of Indiana’s nine climate divisions (109 percent to 123.1 percent). Starting from January 2013, each of the state’s climate divisions has received above normal precipitation. Those ranges are from 108.2 percent for the southeastern division to 116.1 percent for the southwestern division.
For the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) long-term 12-month index, each of Indiana’s nine climate divisions are in the “near normal” category. The six-month index also shows the entire state as “near normal.” For the three-month index, the south-central climate division lies within the “very wet” range, while the northwestern, central, east-central, southwestern, and southeastern divisions are in the “moderately wet” category. The remaining divisions are in the “near normal” range. The one-month index shows the northwestern climate division in the “very wet” category, and the north-central and east-central divisions are in the “moderately wet” range. The rest of the state lies within the “near normal” category.
- Table of recent precipitation compared to normal for each climatic division of the state.
- Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) drought maps for the state for current month.
- Explanation of Standard Precipitation Index (SPI)
U. S. Drought Monitor
The period ending July 1, 2014 showed abnormally dry conditions for portions of south-central and southeastern Indiana. About 95 percent of Indiana showed no drought conditions.
- State Map
- Latest U.S. Drought Monitor Map for the United States
- Learn more about the U.S. Drought Monitor
Streamflow
Mean monthly flows for nine of the 12 monitored streams were above or well above their historical mean monthly flow for the month of June. The Muscatatuck River near Deputy had the lowest mean monthly flow with 50 percent of the historical mean flow for the month. The St. Marys River at Decatur had the highest mean monthly flow with 182 percent of the historical mean flow for the month.
Lake Michigan
The lake Michigan-Huron water level for June was 3 inches above last month’s water level, and 13 inches above the June 2013 water level. Comparison of June monthly mean water levels to long-term (1918-present) averages shows that Michigan-Huron water levels were about 5 inches below average. On June 30, 2014, the Michigan-Huron water level was 578.84 feet. The water level was about 26 inches above the previously lowest recorded monthly mean level for June, set in 1964.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers predicts the lake Michigan-Huron water level to increase one inch over the next month.
Reservoirs
The water levels in seven of the eight Indiana reservoirs being monitored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were at or above their normal pool elevation on July 1. The normal pool deviation ranged from -0.1 feet (Cagles Mill) to 3 feet (Patoka).
Each of the three reservoirs monitored by Citizens Water-Morse, Geist, and Eagle Creek- were above normal pool elevations as of July 1, 2014. The reservoirs’ deviation from their normal pools ranged from 0.18 feet (Geist) to 1.36 feet (Eagle Creek).
Ground Water Levels
As of June 30, 2014, recent water level data are available for each of the nine wells being monitored. The water level for the observation wells is above normal for LaPorte 9, Vigo 7, and Randolph 3; near normal for Morgan 4, Harrison 8, and Posey 3; and below normal for Fulton 7 and LaGrange 2. Clark 20 is a new observation well with no established mean monthly water level. Groundwater levels are expected to decrease through July for much of the state.
Real-time data are available for all nine observation wells. The real-time information may be accessed on the following U.S. Geological Survey website: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/in/nwis/current/?type=gw
Acknowledgments
This report has been compiled from Division of Water data and from information supplied by the following:
Precipitation data:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service, Midwestern Regional Climate CenterStandard Precipitation Index (SPI):
National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC) and Western Regional Climate Center (WRCC)Streamflow:
U.S. Geological Survey and State of Indiana cooperative program
Lake Michigan level data:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit DistrictReservoir data:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville DistrictGround water level data:
U.S. Geological Survey and State of Indiana cooperative programPalmer Drought Severity Index:
U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service
Temperature data:
Indiana State Climate Office, Purdue University