Lower Juniata
Watershed Hydrology
The Lower Juniata Watershed (HUC 02050304) covers approximately 1,598 square miles in central Pennsylvania. The watershed is primarily composed of forests and agricultural lands, and is home to a variety of wildlife species. The hydrology of the area is influenced by precipitation patterns, with peak flows occurring during the spring and fall months. The snowpack is typically light in this region. The surface water includes the Juniata River and a number of smaller tributaries, which provide critical habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms. There are several reservoirs within the watershed which provide drinking water and recreation opportunities to nearby communities. The area experiences a humid continental climate, with an average annual precipitation of around 40 inches. Climate trends in the region include increasing temperatures and changing precipitation patterns, which may have implications for water resources and ecosystem health in the future.