Salt Fork Brazos
Watershed Hydrology
The Salt Fork Brazos watershed (HUC 12050007) is located in the Texas Panhandle and covers approximately 3,540 square miles. The hydrology of the watershed is characterized by intermittent streams and rivers, primarily the Salt Fork of the Brazos River. The area receives an average of 19 inches of precipitation annually, with snowfall occurring occasionally during the winter months. Surface water in the watershed is utilized for irrigation and recreational purposes, as well as supporting wildlife and livestock. Reservoirs within the watershed include Lake Fryer, Lake McClellan, and Lake Mackenzie. Interesting climatic trends include increasing temperatures and decreasing precipitation levels over the past few decades, leading to concerns about drought conditions in the region. Overall, the Salt Fork Brazos watershed plays an important role in the economic and ecological health of the Texas Panhandle region.