Raft
Watershed Hydrology
The Raft Watershed (HUC 17040210) is located in northern Idaho and covers approximately 122 square miles. It is a sub-watershed of the larger Pend Oreille River Basin. The hydrology of the watershed is largely influenced by snowmelt and precipitation, with the majority of streamflow occurring in the spring and early summer. The specific snowpack in the watershed varies from year to year, but generally accumulates from November through April. Surface water in the watershed is dominated by the Raft River, which flows into Priest Lake. The reservoir constituents in the watershed include fish species such as rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and bull trout. Interesting climatic facts and trends include increased frequency and intensity of wildfires in the region, as well as warmer temperatures and earlier snowmelt in recent years.