Upper Kanawha
Watershed Hydrology
The Upper Kanawha Watershed (HUC 05050006) covers an area of roughly 1,925 square miles in West Virginia. It encompasses a variety of landscapes, including forested areas, agricultural land, and urban areas. The watershed is fed by several small streams and tributaries, which eventually flow into the Kanawha River. The region experiences a humid subtropical climate, with warm summers and cool winters. The area sees an average annual snowfall of around 35 inches, with the heaviest snowfall occurring in January and February. The watershed is home to several reservoirs, including Sutton Lake and Summersville Lake. These reservoirs are used for a variety of purposes, including flood control, recreation, and water supply. In recent years, the Upper Kanawha Watershed has experienced several extreme weather events, including severe flooding in 2016 and 2018. Climate change is expected to further impact the region, with increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events.