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DROUGHT INDEX FOR JUNE

Published on 6/1/2025

The LSHT Drought Index relates to individual water source resistance to drought. We call this resistance the Drought Resistance Of Point Source (D*R*O*P*S). A water source is assigned a DROPS value from 1 to 5, a sliding scale where 5 means likely water year round and 1 means likely water only in very wet periods.

This will be a single number covering the entire trail system, updated monthly.

For any individual water source, if the D*R*O*P*S is higher than the LSHT Drought Index, that source should have water.
If the D*R*O*P*S is lower than the LSHT Drought Index, the source will likely be dry.
If the numbers are equal or within 1/2 point of each other, the availability should be considered uncertain.
For example, if the Drought Index is "2", then all water sources with only 1 D*R*O*P*S will be dry, all water sources with 3 to 5 D*R*O*P*S will have water, while the water sources rated 2 D*R*O*P*S should be considered uncertain.

The DROPS rating is used only for the availability of water, not the quality of water. All water should be treated. None of the water locations in this guide have been tested for purity. Use at your own risk. Pond water is more likely to be available, but also more likely to be unhealthy.

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