Little Wood
Watershed Hydrology
The Little Wood watershed (HUC 17040221) covers an area of approximately 132 square miles in south-central Idaho. The watershed is fed by snowpack and receives an average annual precipitation of 12-16 inches. The Little Wood River is the main surface water source, which flows into two reservoirs: Magic Reservoir and Little Wood Reservoir. The watershed is characterized by a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. In recent years, the area has experienced drought conditions, resulting in reduced snowpack and surface water levels. The watershed is also prone to flash floods and debris flows during intense precipitation events. The reservoirs contain primarily agricultural runoff with elevated levels of sediment and nutrients. Efforts have been made to improve water quality through erosion control and reduced fertilizer use. Overall, the Little Wood watershed faces challenges related to water availability and quality, which require ongoing management and conservation efforts.