Upper Kentucky

Watershed Hydrology

The Upper Kentucky watershed (HUC 05100204) covers an area of approximately 1,734 square miles in eastern Kentucky. The region is characterized by rugged terrain and is a major tributary of the Ohio River. The area experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The hydrology is dominated by the Kentucky River, which flows through the center of the watershed. The region receives an average of 40-50 inches of precipitation per year, with the majority occurring in the form of rain. The area is prone to flooding, with significant flood events occurring in 1977 and 2010. The region also experiences occasional snowfall during the winter months. The reservoirs in the watershed are primarily used for water supply, recreation, and flood control. The major reservoirs include Cave Run Lake, Lake Cumberland, and Laurel River Lake. Interesting climatic trends include an increase in average temperatures and precipitation over the past century.


Surface Flows

Upper Kentucky Watershed

Snowpack Depths

Upper Kentucky Watershed

Dams & Reservoirs

Upper Kentucky Watershed

Groundwater Levels

Upper Kentucky Watershed

Upper Kentucky Rivers

Rivers of the Watershed