Lower Humboldt
Watershed Hydrology
The Lower Humboldt Watershed, with a land area of approximately 23,750 square miles, is located in northern Nevada and covers portions of six counties. The watershed is characterized by a semi-arid climate, with precipitation primarily occurring in the winter months. Snowpack in the Sierra Nevada range provides a significant portion of the watershed's surface water, which ultimately flows into the Humboldt River. The river flows through several reservoirs, including Rye Patch and Lovelock, which provide irrigation water for agriculture. The watershed is also home to several unique species, including the federally threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout. In recent years, the Lower Humboldt Watershed has experienced drought conditions, leading to decreased surface water availability and increased water demand for irrigation. Climate change projections suggest that the region will continue to experience warming temperatures and more extreme weather events, which may exacerbate these challenges.