The Upper Gunnison Watershed (HUC 14020002) covers an area of approximately 2,800 square miles in central Colorado. The hydrology of the region is characterized by the Gunnison River and its tributaries, which provide critical habitat for a variety of fish species, including the endangered Colorado pikeminnow. The snowpack in the region is important for water supply, and the Upper Gunnison Basin has the highest snowpack in the state. Surface water in the watershed is heavily used for irrigation and municipal water supplies. The largest reservoir in the watershed is the Blue Mesa Reservoir, which is used for both irrigation and hydropower. The area experiences a semi-arid climate with low humidity and significant temperature variations. In recent years, the region has experienced drought conditions, causing concerns about water availability for irrigation and municipal use.