Lower French Broad
Watershed Hydrology
The Lower French Broad Watershed (HUC 06010107) spans a land area of approximately 1,390 square miles in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. The watershed is predominantly covered by forests, with some agricultural and urban areas. The hydrology of the watershed is characterized by the French Broad River, which flows through the area, and its tributaries. Snowpack in the region can vary greatly depending on elevation, with higher elevations experiencing more snow accumulation. Surface water in the watershed is impacted by a variety of constituents, including nutrients and sediment from agricultural and urban runoff. Interesting climatic facts in the region include the occurrence of occasional severe winter storms and heavy precipitation events, as well as the potential for summer droughts. Trends in the region include increased urbanization and associated impacts on water quality, as well as potential changes in precipitation patterns due to climate change.