Upper Sheyenne
Watershed Hydrology
The Upper Sheyenne Watershed (HUC 09020202) covers an area of approximately 2,722 square miles in North Dakota. The region experiences a semi-arid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. The watershed is part of the Red River Basin, and its hydrology is primarily composed of streams, rivers, and shallow groundwater systems. The snowpack in the watershed is typically low in elevation and limited in extent, with snowmelt providing a critical source of water for the region. Surface water in the watershed consists of small lakes and wetlands, with the Sheyenne River being the primary waterway. Reservoir constituents within the watershed include the Baldhill Dam and the Jamestown Reservoir, which provide flood control and recreation opportunities. Interesting climatic trends include an increase in average annual temperatures and a decrease in annual snowfall over the past several decades.