The Upper James Watershed (HUC 02080201) covers an area of approximately 2,728 square miles in the Appalachian Mountains of western Virginia. The hydrology of the watershed is influenced by the Blue Ridge Mountains, which act as a barrier for precipitation from the west and create a rain shadow effect on the east side of the mountains. The watershed is characterized by a temperate climate with hot summers and cold winters. The area receives an average of 35 inches of precipitation per year, with the majority falling in the form of rain. The watershed is home to several large reservoirs, including the Smith Mountain Lake and the James River. The main reservoir constituents are sediment and nutrients, which can pose a threat to water quality. The Upper James Watershed is also known for its diverse ecosystem, which includes rare plant and animal species. Climate change is expected to have significant impacts on the watershed, including changes in precipitation patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events.