The Fraser Watershed (HUC 17110001) covers a land area of approximately 12,000 square miles in Colorado, USA. It is characterized by a mountainous terrain, with elevations ranging from 5,000 to over 14,000 feet. The watershed is fed by snowpack, primarily from the Rocky Mountains, which provides water to its surface water and reservoirs. The Fraser River, which runs through the watershed, is a major tributary of the Colorado River. The watershed also includes several reservoirs, such as Lake Granby, that serve as sources of water for irrigation, municipal and industrial uses. Climate in the Fraser watershed is cold, with average annual temperatures ranging from 23 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Snowfall is a significant climatic feature of the watershed, with an average snowpack of 100-120 inches annually. Recent trends suggest that the watershed is experiencing shorter snow seasons and earlier snowmelt due to climate change.