The Upper Yadkin Watershed (HUC 03040101) covers an area of 1,690 square miles in western North Carolina. The hydrology of the area is characterized by the Yadkin River and its tributaries, which provide surface water for the region. The area receives an average annual precipitation of 55 inches, with snowfall occurring from November to March. The region experienced a record-breaking snowstorm in 1993, with 26 inches of snow in some areas. The surface water in the watershed is used for water supply, hydroelectric power, and recreation. The reservoirs within the watershed are home to diverse wildlife and provide opportunities for fishing and boating. The water quality of the Upper Yadkin Watershed is monitored regularly, with concerns about nutrient pollution and sedimentation. Climate change is expected to bring warmer temperatures and more extreme weather events to the region in the coming decades.