Lower Milk
Watershed Hydrology
The Lower Milk Watershed (HUC 10050012) covers an area of 2,981 square miles in northeastern Montana, with a primarily agricultural land use. The watershed is fed by several tributaries, including the Whitewater River and Beaver Creek, and is part of the larger Missouri River Basin. The climate in the region is semi-arid, and snowpack is an important source of water for the watershed. In recent years, the region has experienced warmer temperatures, reduced snowpack, and increased drought conditions, leading to concerns about water availability for agricultural and municipal uses. Surface water in the watershed is also affected by pollutants from agricultural activities and oil and gas development. The region contains several reservoirs for irrigation and flood control, including the Fresno Reservoir on the Milk River.