Lower Souris
Watershed Hydrology
The Lower Souris Watershed (HUC 09010003) covers 17,838 square kilometers with a large portion of the watershed located in North Dakota. The watershed is characterized by a flat terrain with the Souris River flowing into Canada and eventually into the Hudson Bay. The area experiences a humid continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. The watershed receives a moderate amount of precipitation, with snowfall being a significant source of water for the region. The Souris River basin has several reservoirs, including Lake Darling and Lake Metigoshe, which are used for irrigation, flood control and recreation. Reservoir constituents include various minerals and nutrients, including phosphorus and nitrogen, which can lead to algal blooms and water quality issues. Interesting climatic facts and trends include an increase in average annual temperature, more frequent and severe droughts, and changes in the timing and amount of snowmelt, impacting the watershed's hydrology.