Lower Canadian
Watershed Hydrology
The Lower Canadian Watershed (HUC 11090204) covers a land area of approximately 1,575 square miles in Vermont and New Hampshire. The watershed is primarily characterized by forested areas, agriculture, and urban development. The hydrology of the area is heavily influenced by precipitation, with the majority of water flow occurring during the spring snowmelt and summer rainfall. Specific snowpack varies from year to year, but typically peaks in March and April. Surface water in the watershed is primarily composed of streams and rivers, including the Connecticut River, which serves as a major source of drinking water for the region. Reservoir constituents in the watershed include several large dams, which are used for hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and water storage. Interesting climatic facts and trends include an increase in extreme precipitation events, particularly in winter months, and a trend towards warmer temperatures and earlier spring snowmelt.