Little Powder
Watershed Hydrology
The Little Powder Watershed, located in northeastern Wyoming, has a land area of approximately 305 square miles. The hydrology of the area is primarily dominated by the Little Powder River, which flows through the watershed and eventually into the Powder River. The watershed is characterized by a specific snowpack with significant accumulation during the winter months, which contributes to peak streamflow in the spring. Surface water is primarily used for irrigation in the surrounding agricultural areas. Reservoirs within the watershed are primarily used for irrigation storage, and their constituents are typically influenced by agricultural runoff. Interesting climatic facts include the watershed's location within a semi-arid region, where precipitation is limited and often occurs in the form of snow. Trends in recent years have shown an increase in temperature and a decrease in snowpack, which can impact streamflow and water availability for agriculture.