Low-Water Period

Low-Water Period

 

seasonal occurrence of low water levels in rivers. Ordinarily a low-water period must last at least ten days to be classified as such. It results from periods of dry or frosty weather when the water level of a river is maintained primarily by ground water sources and there is a great reduction or cessation of surface runoff. In the moderate and high latitudes, summer and winter low-water periods are distinguished. (A low-water period with ice phenomena is a winter low-water period.)