The Upper Arkansas Lake Meredith watershed (HUC 11020005) covers an area of approximately 3,774 square miles in Colorado. The hydrology is dominated by the Arkansas River, which runs through the watershed and provides water for agriculture, recreation, and municipal use. Snowpack in the Upper Arkansas basin is typically abundant, with an average annual snowfall of 200 inches. Surface water in the watershed is of high quality, with low levels of contaminants. The reservoir constituents include sediment and nutrients, which can impact water quality and aquatic habitat. Interesting climatic facts include the high variability in precipitation and temperature, with droughts and floods being common. Trends in the region include increasing temperatures and decreased snowpack due to climate change, which could impact water availability in the future.