The Lower Kootenai Watershed (HUC 17010104) covers an area of approximately 7,366 square miles in northwest Montana and northern Idaho. The watershed is characterized by a highly variable hydrology, with significant snowpack accumulation in the winter and spring months. The Kootenai River is the primary surface water feature, with several large reservoirs along its length, including Libby Dam and Lake Koocanusa. The reservoirs are used for flood control, irrigation, and hydropower generation. The waters of the Kootenai River and its tributaries are known for their high-quality fisheries, including bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout. The region experiences a continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Recent trends in the region include decreasing snowpack levels, increased wildfire activity, and warming temperatures.