The Tuckasegee watershed (HUC 06010203) encompasses approximately 1,900 square miles in western North Carolina. The area is characterized by steep mountain terrain and receives high annual precipitation, resulting in a large volume of surface water and strong hydrologic connectivity. The watershed supplies water to several reservoirs, including Lake Glenville, Bear Creek Lake, and Lake Fontana. Snowfall is common in the winter months, with the highest recorded snowpack occurring in February 2015. The surface waters of the Tuckasegee watershed contain a variety of constituents, including sediment, nutrients, and metals. In recent years, the area has experienced a trend of warmer temperatures and increased frequency of extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts. Interesting climatic facts include the area's location within the Appalachian Mountains and the influence of the Gulf Stream on the region's climate.