Rio Grande Headwaters
Watershed Hydrology
The Rio Grande Headwaters Watershed (HUC 13010001) encompasses approximately 3,318 square miles in southern Colorado. It is the primary source of water for the Rio Grande River, which flows through Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. The watershed is heavily dependent on snowpack, which accumulates in the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges. The snowpack typically peaks in early April and melts throughout the spring and summer, providing water for the river and surrounding ecosystems. The watershed also includes several reservoirs, which are used for irrigation, municipal water supply, and recreation. Climate change is affecting the region, with warmer temperatures causing earlier snowmelt and reducing the amount of water available for use. Additionally, the area experiences frequent droughts, which further stress water resources.