The Lower Dolores Watershed (HUC 14030004) covers an area of approximately 2,380 square miles in southwest Colorado and southeast Utah. The watershed is primarily characterized by arid and semi-arid conditions, with a mean annual precipitation of around 13 inches. The hydrology is dominated by the Dolores River, which originates in the San Juan Mountains and flows through canyons and valleys before ultimately joining the Colorado River. The Dolores River provides critical surface water resources for agriculture, recreation, and wildlife. The snowpack in the watershed is highly variable, with some areas receiving substantial snowfall while others receive very little. This has important implications for water availability and management. There are several reservoirs in the watershed, including the McPhee Reservoir, which provides water for irrigation, drinking water, and recreation. Climatically, the watershed is characterized by hot summers and cold winters. There is evidence that the region is experiencing long-term warming trends, which could have significant implications for snowpack, water availability, and ecosystem health in the future.