North Fork Shenandoah
Watershed Hydrology
The North Fork Shenandoah Watershed, also known as HUC 02070006, covers an area of approximately 1,021 square miles in Virginia. The watershed is characterized by a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The area receives an average of 40 inches of precipitation annually, with most of it falling as rain. The watershed is fed by several tributaries, including the North Fork Shenandoah River and the South Fork Shenandoah River, and contains numerous small reservoirs used for drinking water, recreation, and hydroelectric power generation. The watershed is particularly vulnerable to flash flooding due to its steep topography and heavy precipitation events. Recent climate trends suggest an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall and flooding. The area is also prone to occasional winter storms, which can result in significant snowpack accumulation.