The Lower Des Moines Watershed covers an area of approximately 12,500 square miles, spanning across Iowa and parts of Minnesota. The hydrology of the watershed is characterized by a network of streams and rivers that flow towards the Des Moines River. The snowpack in the region varies from year to year, with heavy snowfall occurring during colder winters. Surface water in the watershed is predominantly used for irrigation, recreation, and municipal water supplies. The reservoirs within the watershed are used for flood control, hydropower production, and water storage. Interesting climatic facts and trends in the watershed include an increase in average temperatures over the past century, which has led to changes in precipitation patterns and more frequent extreme weather events such as flooding. Additionally, the region has experienced a decrease in snowfall and an increase in rainfall over the past few decades, which has impacted water availability and management within the watershed.