The North Fork Gunnison Watershed is located in western Colorado and covers an area of approximately 1,728 square miles. It is characterized by a high altitude and semi-arid climate, with an average annual precipitation of 15 inches. Snowpack is an essential component of the watershed, with the highest snowpack occurring in March. The watershed is also home to several reservoirs, including the Crawford Reservoir, which is used for irrigation and recreational activities. Surface water quality is generally good, but there are concerns about sedimentation and nutrient loading from agricultural activities. The watershed has experienced an increase in temperature over the past few decades, leading to earlier snowmelt and decreases in streamflow during the summer months. This trend is projected to continue, which could have significant impacts on water availability for agricultural and recreational uses.