The drought that began back in June 2005 continued through March 2006 but shrunk considerably in size and scope by the start of April 2006. This shrinkage was due to a persistent wet pattern that had set up during March 2006 and continued into April 2006. Since the growing season had yet to begin, the drought was essentially hydrologic in nature. A report of the hydrologic conditions is supplied by the service hydrologist.River ConditionsMonthly stream flows for March averaged near normal (25th to 75th percentile) to below normal (10th to 24th percentile).  All basins averaged below normal except for the lower Cedar-Iowa River basins and the entire Rock River basin, which averaged near normal.Stream flows began the month with most locations reporting stream flows that were below normal (10th to 24th percentile) or much below normal (less than 10th percentile).  A few locations reported near normal (25th to 75th percentile) conditions and one location reported a record low flow for the day.  Stream flows gradually decreased until moderate rainfall fell on the 5th.  On the 6th, stream flows began increasing in response to this rainfall.  Stream flows then remained nearly steady or increased slightly through the 13th when most locations reported near normal conditions.  Some locations reported below normal (10th to 24th percentile) flows while other locations reported above normal (76th to 90th percentile) flows.Stream flows then gradually decreased into the late parts of the month but then rose on the last day of the month.  On the 30th most locations reported below normal conditions while some locations reported near or much below normal flows.  Moderate rainfall on the 30th resulted in flow increases on the 31st.  On that day, half of the locations reported below or much below normal flows and half of the locations reported near or above below normal flows.Source: U.S. Geological Survey, WaterWatch Web site (http://water.usgs.gov/waterwatch/).DroughtAccording to the U.S. Drought Monitor maps, minimal changes in the drought situation occurred during the month.  Severe drought conditions (D2) continued to cover much of the HSA with moderate drought conditions (D1) across northwestern portions of the HSA.

Drought in BUREAU, ILLINOIS
From 01-MAR-06 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in CARROLL, ILLINOIS
From 01-MAR-06 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in HANCOCK, ILLINOIS
From 01-MAR-06 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in HENDERSON, ILLINOIS
From 01-MAR-06 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in HENRY, ILLINOIS
From 01-MAR-06 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in JO DAVIESS, ILLINOIS
From 01-MAR-06 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in MCDONOUGH, ILLINOIS
From 01-MAR-06 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in MERCER, ILLINOIS
From 01-MAR-06 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in PUTNAM, ILLINOIS
From 01-MAR-06 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS
From 01-MAR-06 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in STEPHENSON, ILLINOIS
From 01-MAR-06 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in WARREN, ILLINOIS
From 01-MAR-06 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in WHITESIDE, ILLINOIS
From 01-MAR-06 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY