Lower Grand
Watershed Hydrology
The Lower Grand Watershed (HUC 04050006) covers an area of approximately 10,000 square miles in the southeastern part of Michigan. The watershed is characterized by a diverse landscape that includes urban areas, agricultural lands, and forested zones. The hydrology of the watershed is influenced by the Great Lakes, which have a significant impact on the local climate. The watershed receives an average of 35 inches of precipitation annually, with most of this falling as rain. The winter season typically brings snowfall, with an average snowpack of 7-10 inches. The watershed is home to numerous surface water bodies, including Lake St. Clair, which is the largest freshwater lake in the region. The reservoir constituents of the watershed are primarily composed of sediment and nutrients that are transported from upstream areas. Interesting climatic facts and trends include increasing average temperatures, more frequent extreme weather events, and changes in precipitation patterns.