The Coal Watershed (HUC 05050009) is located in western Colorado and covers an area of approximately 578 square miles. It is mostly mountainous with elevations ranging from 5,000 to 12,000 feet. The hydrology of the watershed is dominated by the Colorado River, which flows through the center of the watershed. The area receives an average of 200 inches of snowfall per year, with the snowpack generally peaking in April. Surface water in the watershed is used for irrigation, municipal supply, and recreation. The main reservoir in the watershed is Rifle Gap Reservoir, which is used for irrigation and recreation. The climate in the Coal Watershed is characterized by cold winters and warm summers, with average temperatures ranging from 18°F in January to 64°F in July. In recent years, the region has experienced warmer temperatures and decreased snowpack, leading to concerns about water availability for agricultural and municipal use.