The Boone Watershed, located in Tennessee, covers approximately 1,040 square miles and is part of the larger Tennessee River Basin. Hydrologically, the area is characterized by steep terrain, with elevations ranging from 800 to 6,285 feet. The watershed experiences a seasonal snowpack that contributes significantly to surface water flow during the spring and summer months. Surface water is dominated by the Watauga and South Fork Holston Rivers, which flow into Boone Lake, a reservoir with a total capacity of 220,600 acre-feet. The reservoir is known to contain elevated levels of phosphorus and nitrogen, which promote harmful algal blooms. Climatically, the area experiences warm, humid summers and cold winters, with average annual precipitation ranging from 40 to 60 inches. Over the past few decades, the region has experienced a trend towards warmer temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events.