The Shields watershed, located in central Idaho, has a land area of approximately 1,620 square miles. The watershed is characterized by high-elevation mountains and valleys and is home to several major rivers and streams, including the Salmon River and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. The hydrology of the watershed is dominated by snowpack, which typically accumulates during the winter months and melts during the spring and summer, providing important surface water resources for the region. Reservoirs within the watershed are used for irrigation, hydropower, and recreation, and are regulated by the Bureau of Reclamation. In recent years, the watershed has experienced warming temperatures and decreased snowpack, which has led to reduced water availability during the summer months. These trends are expected to continue in the coming decades and could have significant impacts on the region's water resources and ecosystems.