Upper Guyandotte
Watershed Hydrology
The Upper Guyandotte Watershed (HUC 05070101) covers an area of approximately 1,370 square miles in Southern West Virginia. The watershed is characterized by steep terrain, with elevations ranging from 800 to over 4,000 feet. The hydrology of the area is dominated by the Guyandotte River, which flows through the watershed and is fed by numerous tributaries. The region experiences a temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers. Snowfall is common in the winter months, and the average snowpack ranges from 5 to 10 inches. Surface water quality in the watershed is impacted by agriculture, mining, and other land uses. The watershed contains several reservoirs, including the R.D. Bailey Lake. These reservoirs provide important water resources for the region. Climate trends in the area indicate a general warming trend over the past few decades, with average temperatures increasing by over 1 degree Fahrenheit.