If the stream still has water it can reverse the connection and lose water to the groundwater – a losing stream instead of a gaining stream. Without more rain or flow from upslope the stream will dry up.

Why would a creek dry up?

The problem is that Yellow Creek tends to dry up late in the summer when runoff from winter snows is depleted and when farmers and ranchers are still drawing water for late-season irrigation. The diminishing water flow in the creek leaves patches of dry creek bed and isolated puddles of water.

Why do streams dry up in summer?

Perennial streams flow during the entire year, because they are fed by groundwater, even when there is little or no rain. In contrast, intermittent streams may appear suddenly after rain, and then dry up, leaving dry stream beds, when there is little rainfall during the summer.