Upper Middle Fork Salmon

Watershed Hydrology

The Upper Middle Fork Salmon Watershed covers approximately 1,156 square miles in central Idaho. It is characterized by rugged terrain, steep mountain slopes, and deep canyons. The watershed is fed by snowmelt and rainfall and is home to numerous streams and rivers that flow into the Salmon River. The area experiences a significant snowpack, which contributes to the high water flow during the spring and early summer months. The snowpack is also a critical source of water for agricultural and domestic use in the region. Surface water quality in the watershed is generally good, with low levels of pollutants and contaminants. However, there are concerns about sedimentation and erosion caused by land management practices, such as logging and mining. The reservoirs in the watershed are primarily used for hydroelectric power generation and recreation. The largest reservoir, the Salmon Dam, is located on the Middle Fork and provides irrigation water to the surrounding agricultural areas. Climatic trends in the area include increasing temperatures and a decrease in snowpack, which may have implications for water availability and forest health. The region is also vulnerable to wildfires, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change.


Surface Flows

Upper Middle Fork Salmon Watershed

Snowpack Depths

Upper Middle Fork Salmon Watershed

Dams & Reservoirs

Upper Middle Fork Salmon Watershed

Groundwater Levels

Upper Middle Fork Salmon Watershed

Upper Middle Fork Salmon Rivers

Rivers of the Watershed