Upper Fox
Watershed Hydrology
The Upper Fox Watershed covers an area of approximately 2,617 square miles in northeastern Wisconsin. It is a part of the larger Lake Michigan Basin and is drained by the Fox River and its tributaries. The watershed has a moderate to humid continental climate, with an average annual precipitation of 31-34 inches. The hydrology of the watershed is characterized by numerous wetland complexes and several large reservoirs, including Lake Winnebago, Lake Butte des Morts, and Lake Poygan. The watershed has a diverse mix of land uses, including agriculture, urban areas, and forested lands. Snowpack varies greatly depending on location within the watershed, with heavier snowfall in the northern areas. Interesting climatic trends include an increase in annual precipitation over the last century, as well as an increase in the frequency and severity of flooding events. The reservoirs within the watershed are also experiencing increasing levels of nutrient pollution, primarily from agricultural runoff.