Middle Iowa

Watershed Hydrology

The Middle Iowa Watershed (HUC 07080208) is located in central Iowa and covers an area of approximately 1,389 square miles. The watershed is drained by the Middle Fork of the Iowa River, which originates in Hancock County and flows southward through Wright, Franklin, and Hardin counties before joining the Iowa River near Marshalltown. The watershed has a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. The average annual precipitation is around 35 inches, with most of it falling in the form of rain during the spring and summer months. The watershed is also prone to occasional flooding due to heavy rainfall and snowmelt. Surface water in the watershed is mainly made up of streams, rivers, and small lakes. The largest reservoir in the watershed is the Pine Lake State Park. The watershed is predominantly agricultural, with corn and soybeans being the primary crops grown. Overall, the Middle Iowa Watershed is an important source of water for both human and animal use, as well as for agricultural and recreational purposes. However, it is also faced with various challenges, including water pollution and soil erosion caused by agricultural activities, which require appropriate management practices to address.


Surface Flows

Middle Iowa Watershed

Snowpack Depths

Middle Iowa Watershed

Dams & Reservoirs

Middle Iowa Watershed

Groundwater Levels

Middle Iowa Watershed

Middle Iowa Rivers

Rivers of the Watershed