Lower American

Watershed Hydrology

The Lower American Watershed (HUC 18020111) covers approximately 1,350 square miles in California's Central Valley, draining into the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The watershed is primarily fed by snowpack, which accumulates in the Sierra Nevada mountains and melts during the spring and summer, providing water for agriculture and urban areas. The area also has several reservoirs, including Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma, which provide water storage and recreational opportunities. Climate trends in the watershed have shown increased variability in precipitation patterns, with more frequent droughts and intense storms. The snowpack has also been affected, with earlier melting and reduced overall volume due to warmer temperatures. This has led to concerns about water availability for agriculture, as well as increased risk of flooding and erosion. In terms of hydrology, the Lower American Watershed is known for its complex network of canals, levees, and drainage systems, which are managed by various agencies and stakeholders to balance water supply, flood control, and ecosystem health. The area also supports diverse wildlife habitats, including wetlands and riparian forests, which are important for biodiversity and flood mitigation.


Surface Flows

Lower American Watershed

Snowpack Depths

Lower American Watershed

Dams & Reservoirs

Lower American Watershed

Groundwater Levels

Lower American Watershed

Lower American Rivers

Rivers of the Watershed