Upper Salmon
Watershed Hydrology
The Upper Salmon Watershed (HUC 17060201) covers an area of approximately 1,960 square miles in central Idaho. The hydrology of the area is characterized by high-elevation snowpack, which melts in the spring and summer to feed the Salmon River and its tributaries. The region experiences a cold, snowy climate, with average winter temperatures ranging from 0 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The snowpack is an important source of water for agriculture, recreation, and wildlife habitat. The surface water quality in the watershed is largely influenced by sediment and erosion from mining, logging, and grazing activities. Reservoirs in the area, including the Salmon River Reservoir, provide irrigation water and hydroelectric power. The watershed is home to a variety of fish species, including Chinook salmon and steelhead trout. Recent trends suggest that the area is experiencing earlier snowmelt and reduced snowpack, which could have significant impacts on water availability and environmental conditions in the region.