Skillet

Watershed Hydrology

The Skillet Watershed, located in central Idaho, has a land area of approximately 91 square miles. The watershed is characterized by steep terrain and high elevations, with the highest peak, Smiley Mountain, reaching an elevation of 9,271 feet. The watershed is part of the Salmon River Basin and is composed of several streams that flow into the South Fork of the Salmon River. The hydrology of the Skillet Watershed is heavily influenced by snowpack. The area receives an average of 200 inches of snow annually, which melts in the spring and summer, providing surface water for streams and reservoirs. The area is also prone to wildfires, which can have significant impacts on the hydrology and water quality of the watershed. Surface water in the Skillet Watershed is used for irrigation, domestic water supply, and recreation. Reservoirs in the watershed, such as the Warm Springs Reservoir, contain constituents such as phosphorus and nitrogen that can contribute to algal blooms. Interesting climatic facts and trends in the watershed include the high variability of precipitation and temperature, as well as the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these trends in the future.


Surface Flows

Skillet Watershed

Snowpack Depths

Skillet Watershed

Dams & Reservoirs

Skillet Watershed

Groundwater Levels

Skillet Watershed

Skillet Rivers

Rivers of the Watershed