Shasta
Watershed Hydrology
The Shasta Watershed covers approximately 2,422 square miles in northern California and is part of the Klamath River Basin. The region experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and wet winters, and is characterized by a diverse mix of forested, agricultural, and urban land uses. The watershed is primarily fed by snowpack and rain, which provide surface water for both human and ecological needs. The snowpack in the region has been decreasing in recent years due to a combination of factors, including rising temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns. The watershed is home to several large reservoirs, including Shasta Lake, which is a major source of water for the state of California. The reservoirs contain a variety of constituents, including sediment, nutrients, and organic matter, which have significant impacts on water quality and aquatic ecosystems.