The Northern Big Smoky Valley Watershed, HUC 16060004, is located in central Nevada and covers an area of approximately 1,375 square miles. The area is characterized by a semi-arid climate with low precipitation and high evapotranspiration rates. The watershed is fed by snowmelt and rainfall, which provide the primary source of water for the region's surface water and groundwater systems. The snowpack in the watershed accumulates from December to April and typically peaks in March. The surface water in the watershed is predominantly used for irrigation purposes and is characterized by high levels of dissolved minerals, including calcium and magnesium. The region experiences extreme temperature variations, with average summer temperatures reaching highs of 95°F and winter lows dropping to 15°F. Over the past few decades, the area has experienced a trend of decreasing snowpack and increasing temperatures, which has led to concerns over the sustainability of the region's water resources.