Lower Cumberland

Watershed Hydrology

The Lower Cumberland Watershed covers an area of approximately 14,000 square miles in Kentucky and Tennessee. The hydrology of the watershed is characterized by a network of streams and rivers that ultimately flow into the Ohio River. The area experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Snowfall is generally low, with an average of only a few inches per year. The watershed contains numerous reservoirs, including Lake Cumberland and Old Hickory Lake, which provide water for drinking, recreation, and power generation. The reservoirs also serve as important habitats for aquatic plants and animals. In recent years, the region has experienced increased rainfall and flooding, which has impacted water quality and increased erosion. Efforts are underway to mitigate the impacts of these trends through improved land management practices and conservation efforts.


Surface Flows

Lower Cumberland Watershed

Snowpack Depths

Lower Cumberland Watershed

Dams & Reservoirs

Lower Cumberland Watershed

Groundwater Levels

Lower Cumberland Watershed

Lower Cumberland Rivers

Rivers of the Watershed