The Whitewater Watershed, HUC 07140107, is located in southwestern Colorado and covers an area of approximately 367 square miles. The watershed is characterized by a high-altitude, semi-arid climate with an average annual precipitation of 15 inches, much of which falls as snow during the winter months. The snowpack provides critical water resources for the area's rivers and streams, including the Whitewater River, which is a tributary of the Gunnison River. The watershed also contains several reservoirs, including the Ridgway Reservoir, which is used for both water storage and recreation. One interesting climatic trend in the area is the increasing frequency and severity of droughts, which have significant impacts on the availability of water resources for the region's agricultural and recreational activities. Additionally, ongoing development and land use changes in the watershed are raising concerns about water quality and ecosystem health.