The Lower Iowa Watershed covers approximately 1,886 square miles in Northern Iowa and Southern Minnesota. It is fed by several tributaries and is characterized by its relatively flat topography, which leads to slow-moving surface water. Hydrology in the watershed is influenced by precipitation patterns, which are typically highest in the spring and summer months. The area experiences an average of 30-40 inches of snowfall annually, with the highest amounts typically seen in February. Surface water in the watershed is primarily used for agricultural irrigation and recreation, and the area is home to several large reservoirs, including the Lake Red Rock Reservoir. The watershed is also susceptible to flooding, with major flood events occurring in 1993, 2008, and 2016. Climate trends in the area include increasing precipitation, warmer temperatures, and more frequent extreme weather events.