The Ute Watershed (HUC 11080007) covers approximately 1,200 square miles in Colorado and Wyoming. The watershed is mostly mountainous and has an elevation range of 5,000 to 14,000 feet. The hydrology of the watershed is primarily snowmelt and precipitation, with the majority of runoff occurring in the spring and summer months. The watershed contains several high-altitude reservoirs that supply water for irrigation, municipal, and industrial uses. The snowpack in the Ute Watershed is highly variable, with some years experiencing above-average snow accumulation and others experiencing drought. The reservoirs in the watershed contain high levels of dissolved solids, including calcium, magnesium, and sulfate. The climate in the watershed is characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers. In recent years, the watershed has experienced warming temperatures and earlier snowmelt, which could have significant impacts on water availability and ecosystem health.