The N.C. Drought Management Advisory Council map released Dec. 15 shows of abnormal dryness affecting Cherokee, Clay, Graham and Swain counties, but otherwise moisture is normal or above until reaching southeastern N.C. Currently, 29 counties are in moderate drought and 22 are abnormally dry. 

Despite drought conditions clinging to the mountain region throughout November and much of October and December, the area saw a mild fall wildfire season. The only large blaze was the Hurricane Ridge Fire, which started burning Nov. 23 along Interstate 40 in the Pigeon River Gorge of Haywood County and was contained at just under 800 acres.

According to National Weather Service data, Bryson City got a whopping 4.29 inches of rain between Dec. 6 and 10. During the same period, Franklin got 2.81, Cullowhee 2.35 and Waynesville 1.39 inches.