Upper Republican
Watershed Hydrology
The Upper Republican Watershed (HUC 10250004) covers an area of 5,231 square miles in northwest Kansas. The hydrology of the watershed is dominated by the Republican River, which originates in Colorado and flows through Nebraska and Kansas before joining the Smoky Hill River to form the Kansas River. The area experiences a semi-arid climate with an average annual precipitation of around 22 inches, most of which falls during the summer months. Snowpack in the watershed is generally low, with an average snow depth of only a few inches. Surface water in the watershed is primarily used for irrigation, with several reservoirs situated throughout the area. The primary constituents in the reservoirs are sediment and nutrients, which can cause water quality issues. Interesting climatic trends in the area include increasing temperatures and variability in precipitation patterns, which can impact water availability for agricultural and other uses.