Michigamme
Watershed Hydrology
The Michigamme Watershed, located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, covers an area of approximately 1,281 square kilometers. The hydrology of the watershed is dominated by the Michigamme River, which flows through several large reservoirs before discharging into Lake Michigamme. The watershed receives an average of 250 centimeters of snow annually, which contributes to the significant snowpack that can last well into the spring. Surface water in the watershed is used for a variety of purposes, including recreation, hydroelectric power generation, and municipal water supply. The reservoirs in the watershed contain a variety of constituents, including sediment, nutrients, and organic matter. Interesting climatic facts include the fact that the region has experienced a warming trend over the past century, and that precipitation patterns have become more variable and extreme in recent years.