The Shell Rock watershed covers an area of approximately 1,350 square miles in central Iowa. The hydrology of the watershed is characterized by numerous streams and rivers that flow into the Cedar River. The area experiences a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The watershed receives an average of 33 inches of precipitation annually, which includes a significant amount of snowfall. The winter months typically see a significant accumulation of snowpack on the ground, which slowly melts in the spring and contributes to surface water runoff. The surface water in the watershed is used for agricultural irrigation, drinking water, and recreational activities. The main reservoir in the watershed is the Shell Rock River Watershed Dam, which was constructed in the 1930s to prevent flooding. Over the past few decades, there has been a trend towards increasing precipitation and extreme weather events in the region.