Upper Cosumnes
Watershed Hydrology
The Upper Cosumnes Watershed, located in the Sierra Nevada foothills of California, covers an area of approximately 345 square miles. The watershed is dominated by forested lands, and its hydrology is largely driven by seasonal precipitation and snowmelt. The watershed is home to several small reservoirs that provide drinking water to nearby communities. Climatically, the region experiences hot summers and cool winters, with annual precipitation averaging between 40-50 inches. In recent years, the region has experienced several droughts and prolonged periods of hot, dry weather, which have impacted snowpack and surface water availability. Despite these challenges, efforts are underway to improve water conservation and management practices in the region, including the implementation of water management plans and the restoration of degraded stream habitats.