The Lower Little Tennessee Watershed (HUC 06010204) covers an area of approximately 1,044 square miles in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. The watershed is characterized by a humid subtropical climate, with annual precipitation ranging from 50 to 80 inches. The area is known for its high biological diversity, including several rare and endangered species. The hydrology of the watershed is primarily influenced by the Little Tennessee River, which flows through the area and provides a critical source of drinking water and recreation. The watershed is also home to several large reservoirs, including Fontana Lake, which was created in the 1940s as part of a hydroelectric project. In terms of snowpack, the watershed receives an average of 5-15 inches of snow per year, with higher elevations experiencing more frequent and heavier snowfalls. As for climatic trends, the area has seen an increase in average temperatures over the past several decades, along with changes in precipitation patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events.