Park
Watershed Hydrology
The Park Watershed (HUC 09020310) covers an area of approximately 1,400 square miles in northwest Montana. The watershed includes parts of the Flathead National Forest and Glacier National Park. The hydrology of the area is complex, with multiple rivers and streams flowing into the Flathead River, which eventually empties into Flathead Lake. The watershed receives significant snowfall during the winter months, which contributes to the water supply during the summer. The snowpack is especially important for sustaining the area's agriculture and recreation industries. Surface water quality is closely monitored, with concerns over pollutants from nearby mining operations. The watershed also contains several reservoirs, which provide hydroelectric power and water storage. The area's climate is characterized by cold winters and mild summers, with average temperatures ranging from 7°F in January to 65°F in July. Trends in climate change have led to warmer temperatures and reduced snowpack, which could have significant impacts on the watershed in the future.