Lower St. Francis
Watershed Hydrology
The Lower St. Francis Watershed (HUC 08020203) covers an area of approximately 5,109 square miles in southeast Missouri and northeast Arkansas. The watershed is primarily rural and is dominated by forested land cover. The area is characterized by predominantly flat terrain with rolling hills and occasional steep bluffs. The hydrology of the watershed is strongly influenced by the St. Francis River, which is the main stem of the watershed. There is a snowpack in the area but it is not a significant contributor to surface water. The watershed contains numerous streams, rivers, and wetlands, which provide habitat for a variety of aquatic and terrestrial species. The major reservoirs in the watershed are the Wappapello and Clearwater Lake. Interesting climatic trends include significant precipitation variability and frequent flooding, especially during the spring and summer months. The watershed is also susceptible to droughts, which can impact agricultural production and water supply.