Upper Red
Watershed Hydrology
The Upper Red Watershed (HUC 09020104) covers an area of approximately 4,564 square kilometers in north-central Montana. The region is characterized by rolling hills, grasslands, and forested areas, with agriculture being the primary land use. The hydrology of the watershed is largely influenced by snowpack, with peak flows occurring in the spring as snowmelt begins. Surface water in the area is primarily found in streams and small rivers, with few reservoirs. The constituents of reservoirs in the area are primarily used for irrigation purposes. Interesting climatic facts include the area's extreme temperature fluctuations, with summer highs reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit and winter lows dropping below -30 degrees Fahrenheit. Trends in the area include decreasing snowpack and earlier spring runoff due to climate change, potentially impacting the availability of surface water for agriculture and other uses.