Lower Roanoke
Watershed Hydrology
The Lower Roanoke Watershed, located in North Carolina and Virginia, covers approximately 1,187 square miles of land area. Hydrologically, the watershed is dominated by the Roanoke River, which flows through the region, and its tributaries. The region experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. In terms of snowpack, the Lower Roanoke watershed receives little snow and generally experiences mild winters. Surface water in the region is heavily influenced by agricultural runoff and urbanization. The region is also home to several reservoirs, including the Roanoke Rapids Lake and Lake Gaston, which are used for hydroelectric power generation and recreational activities. Interestingly, the region has seen an increase in extreme weather events, including both drought and flooding, in recent years due to changing climatic conditions.