San Miguel

Watershed Hydrology

The San Miguel Watershed is located in southwestern Colorado and covers an area of approximately 650 square miles. The hydrology of the area is largely influenced by snowpack, with the highest elevations receiving up to 300 inches of snow each year. Surface water in the watershed is primarily supplied by the San Miguel River and its tributaries, which flow into the Dolores River. The watershed also contains several reservoirs, including the Miramonte Reservoir and Beaver Park Reservoir. These reservoirs primarily store water for agricultural and municipal uses. In recent years, the San Miguel Watershed has experienced fluctuations in snowpack and water availability, which have been attributed to changing climate patterns. Specifically, the region has seen a decrease in winter snowpack and earlier snowmelt, leading to reduced water levels in rivers and reservoirs during drought periods. These changes have significant implications for water management in the region and highlight the importance of continued monitoring and conservation efforts.


Surface Flows

San Miguel Watershed

Snowpack Depths

San Miguel Watershed

Dams & Reservoirs

San Miguel Watershed

Groundwater Levels

San Miguel Watershed

San Miguel Rivers

Rivers of the Watershed