Bayou De Chien-Mayfield
Watershed Hydrology
The Bayou De Chien Mayfield Watershed covers an area of approximately 1,165 square miles in western Kentucky and Tennessee. It is mainly a rural agricultural area with approximately 70% of the land used for cropland and pasture. The watershed is characterized by a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The annual average precipitation is around 50 inches, with most rainfall occurring between April and September. The watershed has several small streams and tributaries that ultimately flow into the Mississippi River. There are two reservoirs in the watershed, the Kentucky Dam and the Barkley Dam, which are used for flood control, navigation, and electricity generation. The snowpack in the area is typically minimal, with only occasional snowfall during the winter months. The watershed faces challenges from agricultural runoff, erosion, and sedimentation, which can affect water quality and aquatic habitats.