Mountain Fork

Watershed Hydrology

The Mountain Fork Watershed in southeastern Oklahoma covers an area of 1,637 square miles and is characterized by a humid subtropical climate. The watershed is predominantly forested, with a mix of oak-hickory and pine forests covering the uplands, and hardwood and bottomland forests along the streams. The upper reaches of the watershed are characterized by steep slopes, while the lower reaches are more gently sloping. The hydrology of the watershed is largely influenced by the Ouachita Mountains, which are the source of most of the surface water in the region. The snowpack in this region is typically light and short-lived, as the area experiences mild winters. The surface water in the Mountain Fork watershed is of good quality, and supports a diverse range of aquatic life. The two main reservoirs in the watershed, Lake Broken Bow and Lake Sardis, are important recreational resources for the region. Climatic trends in the region have been impacted by global warming, with an increase in temperature and frequency of extreme weather events in recent years.


Surface Flows

Mountain Fork Watershed

Snowpack Depths

Mountain Fork Watershed

Dams & Reservoirs

Mountain Fork Watershed

Groundwater Levels

Mountain Fork Watershed

Mountain Fork Rivers

Rivers of the Watershed