The Lower Black Watershed (HUC 11010009) spans an area of approximately 1,243 square miles and includes portions of eastern West Virginia and western Virginia. The area experiences a humid continental climate with an average annual precipitation of 40-45 inches. Snowfall is common in the winter months, with the highest snowpack depths occurring in January and February. The watershed is home to several reservoirs, including the Jennings Randolph Lake and the Mount Storm Lake, which provide hydroelectric power and recreational opportunities. The surface water in the watershed is primarily fed by the Potomac River and its tributaries. The watershed is also home to several rare and endangered species, including the Virginia Big-Eared Bat and the Cheat Mountain Salamander. There has been a trend of increasing temperatures and decreasing snowpack in the region in recent years, which may impact the water resources and ecological health of the area.