Upper Cumberland
Watershed Hydrology
The Upper Cumberland Watershed (HUC 05130101) covers an area of approximately 3,810 square miles in Tennessee and Kentucky. The watershed is primarily mountainous, with elevations ranging from 500 to 6,000 feet above sea level. The hydrology of the watershed is influenced by the Cumberland River, which flows through the center of the region. The area experiences a humid subtropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from 34°F in January to 78°F in July. The watershed receives an average of 52 inches of precipitation annually, with the majority falling as rain during the spring and summer months. Snowfall is common in the winter, with an average snowpack depth of 6 inches. The surface water in the watershed is used for drinking water, recreation, and agricultural purposes. Reservoirs in the watershed include Dale Hollow Lake and Lake Cumberland, which provide hydroelectric power, flood control, and recreational opportunities. Interesting climatic trends in the watershed include an increase in average temperatures and precipitation over the past few decades, and an increase in extreme weather events.