The South Fork Kentucky Watershed (HUC 05100203) covers approximately 1,262 square miles in southeastern Kentucky. The area is mostly mountainous and has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. The watershed is fed by numerous small streams and creeks, many of which flow into the South Fork Kentucky River. The water quality in the watershed is generally good, with some contamination from agricultural runoff and abandoned mines. There is a small reservoir in the watershed, Buckhorn Lake, which was created in the 1960s for flood control and recreational purposes. The area experiences significant snowfall during the winter months, which can impact hydrologic conditions and water availability in the spring and summer. In recent years, the region has experienced increased precipitation and more extreme weather events, which has led to flooding and landslides in some areas.