Nolichucky
Watershed Hydrology
The Nolichucky Watershed, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, covers approximately 1,970 square miles of land area. The headwaters of the watershed originate in the Appalachian Mountains, and the Nolichucky River flows downstream to eventually join the French Broad River. The watershed experiences both winter and summer precipitation, with snowpack accumulation in the higher elevations during the winter. The surface water in the Nolichucky River is used for both recreation and drinking water purposes. Reservoirs within the watershed include the Douglas and Cherokee Reservoirs, which provide hydroelectric power and water storage. Interesting climatic trends include an increase in average temperature and a decrease in precipitation over the past several decades. The Nolichucky Watershed is also home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including the endangered Appalachian elktoe mussel.