Imperial Reservoir

Watershed Hydrology

The Imperial Reservoir Watershed, located in southeastern California, covers an area of approximately 4,600 square miles. The watershed is characterized by a hot, arid climate and receives very little precipitation each year. However, the region is supplied with water from the Colorado River via the All-American Canal, which feeds the Imperial Reservoir. The hydrology of the watershed is primarily influenced by the Colorado River and its tributaries. The region experiences a semi-arid climate, with most precipitation falling as snow in the nearby mountains. The surface water in the watershed is primarily supplied by the All-American Canal, although there are also several small streams and rivers that flow throughout the region. The reservoir is used for both agricultural and municipal purposes and contains a variety of constituents, including sediment, nutrients, and organic matter. Interesting climatic facts and trends include the fact that the region has experienced a significant increase in temperature over the past century, along with a decrease in precipitation. In addition, there has been a decline in snowpack in the nearby mountains, leading to concerns about future water availability in the region.


Surface Flows

Imperial Reservoir Watershed

Snowpack Depths

Imperial Reservoir Watershed

Dams & Reservoirs

Imperial Reservoir Watershed

Groundwater Levels

Imperial Reservoir Watershed

Imperial Reservoir Rivers

Rivers of the Watershed