Upper Klamath
Watershed Hydrology
The Upper Klamath Watershed (HUC 18010206) covers approximately 6,734 square miles in southern Oregon and northern California. The watershed’s hydrology is primarily fed by snowpack in the winter and spring, which contributes to surface water in the summer months. The region has experienced significant droughts in recent years, leading to a decrease in snowpack and surface water availability. The watershed is home to several reservoirs, including Upper Klamath Lake, which is a significant source of water for agriculture and fish habitat. However, the lake has experienced harmful algal blooms due to high nutrient levels and warming temperatures. The Upper Klamath Watershed is also the site of several significant fish habitat restoration efforts, including the removal of dams and the reintroduction of salmon and steelhead. Climate change is expected to continue to impact the watershed, leading to warmer temperatures, decreased snowpack, and changes in precipitation patterns.