Ground water levels continue to fall

Graphic created by Royal Broadcasting employee Brooke Greene used by permission

Recent monitoring shows groundwater levels in the Shenandoah Valley continue to fall, raising concerns for residents, farmers, and water users across the region.

Despite snow and sleet from Winter Storm Fern, groundwater hasn’t seen a significant rebound, and water tables remain lower than expected for this time of year.

The US Geological Survey reports say the storm’s moisture hasn’t yet made its way into the aquifer below.

This follows earlier reports that groundwater had dropped several feet, placing levels near some of the lowest in more than a decade and impacting stream flows across the valley.

Officials remind residents that continued monitoring and water conservation efforts will be important as conditions evolve.

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Winter Storm Fern damages farms across the Valley

News to know valley graphic created by Royal Broadcasting employee Brooke Greene used by permission

Work is continuing across the Shenandoah Valley as farmers, first responders, and state agricultural agencies assess damage from Winter Storm Fern.

Poultry houses, greenhouses, and other farm structures were among those impacted by heavy snow.

Virginia Poultry Federation President Hobey Bauhan says at least ten poultry houses in the Valley suffered structural damage from snow load.

Meanwhile, Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance reports nearly 50 storm-related claims so far, ranging from auto crashes and collapsed buildings to downed trees and frozen pipes.

State agricultural leaders say while the damage is serious, it could have been worse. Bauhan noted that a similar storm in 2003 caused more than 50 poultry house collapses statewide.

As damage assessments continue, organizations including the Virginia Poultry Federation, Virginia Farm Bureau, Virginia Cooperative Extension, and the Farm Service Agency are working with farmers to document losses and coordinate assistance.

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