The Upper Merced Watershed (HUC 18040008) is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California and covers an area of approximately 1,500 square miles. The watershed is primarily fed by snowmelt and contains several alpine lakes and streams. The snowpack in the region is closely monitored, as it provides important water resources for California during the dry summer months. The Merced River, which flows through the watershed, is a popular destination for outdoor recreation and supports diverse aquatic and riparian habitats. The region is also home to several large reservoirs, including Lake McClure and Lake McSwain, which store water for agricultural and urban use. In recent years, the Upper Merced Watershed has experienced drought conditions and decreased snowpack, highlighting the importance of careful management of water resources in the region.