Betsy-Chocolay

Watershed Hydrology

The Betsy Chocolay Watershed (HUC 04020201) is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, covering an area of approximately 148 square miles. The hydrology of the watershed is characterized by surface water, with the Betsy and Chocolay Rivers being the main watercourses. The watershed also has numerous lakes and wetlands. The area receives significant snowfall, with an average annual snowpack of around 172 inches. This snowpack contributes to the surface water in the watershed during the spring melt. The surface water in the Betsy Chocolay Watershed is generally of good quality, with low levels of pollutants. However, there are concerns regarding the presence of nutrients such as phosphorus, which can lead to harmful algal blooms. The watershed has one reservoir, the Silver Lake Reservoir, which is used for hydroelectric power generation. The reservoir's constituents are monitored regularly to ensure compliance with water quality regulations. In recent years, the area has experienced a warming trend, with temperatures increasing by an average of 1.5°F over the past century. This has led to changes in the timing and amount of precipitation, which can have significant impacts on the hydrology of the watershed.


Surface Flows

Betsy-Chocolay Watershed

Snowpack Depths

Betsy-Chocolay Watershed

Dams & Reservoirs

Betsy-Chocolay Watershed

Groundwater Levels

Betsy-Chocolay Watershed

Betsy-Chocolay Rivers

Rivers of the Watershed