Lower Puerco
Watershed Hydrology
The Lower Puerco Watershed occupies an area of about 1,200 square miles in northeastern Arizona. It is a semi-arid region characterized by low annual precipitation and high temperatures. Hydrologically, the watershed is dominated by intermittent streams that exhibit flashy flow responses to precipitation events. Snowpack is uncommon in the region, with most precipitation falling as rain during the winter months. Surface water in the watershed is scarce and is mostly derived from ephemeral streams that flow through the region. Reservoirs in the region are used for water storage and flood control, and their constituents vary depending on the natural geology of the area. Interesting climatic trends in the region include increasing temperatures and decreasing precipitation, which have led to prolonged droughts and reduced water availability.