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The Yampa River is a tributary to the Colorado River via the Green River. In general, the river flows northerly from its headwaters to the vicinity of Steamboat Springs, thence westerly to its terminus at the Green River, near the western boundary of Colorado. With the exception of Walton Creek, which flows in a northerly course, the tributary creeks flow in roughly parallel southwesterly trending courses in the study area. In their headwater areas, the streams under study flow in steep, narrow canyons. Gentler slopes are characteristic in the study area. There are numerous small lakes but no large bodies of water in or near the study area. The climate in the Steamboat Springs area is characterized by cool summers and severe winters. Normal annual precipitation varies with elevation and ranges from 25 inches in valley floor areas to 80 inches (estimate) at high elevations in the Park Range. Most of the annual precipitation occurs as snow and deep snowpack accumulates. Snowfall in Steamboat Springs averages 13 feet per year, but the moisture content is such that 1 inch of precipitation creates approximately 14 inches of snow. Two-thirds of the annual precipi- tation usually occurs from December to April, and snowfall in high elevations may total as much as 50 feet during this period. Snow- pack normally begins to accumulate in late October and snowmelt begins in late April and continues well into June or early July. Snow is perpetual on some northern slopes in high areas. Rain may occur over the Yampa River Basin and convective cloudburst storms frequently occur in summer. Comparative data on temperatures at Steamboat Springs show a monthly average temperature of IS.ooF in January and 6l.90F in July, a mean maximum temperature of 29.40F in January and 83.0oF in July, and a mean minimum temperature of 0.60F in January and 40.80F in July. The lowest observed minimum temperature recorded at Steamboat Springs was -50oF on January 12, 1963. Vegetation in the Yampa River Basin varies with elevation. Much of the valley is devoted to production of hay and the native vegetation has been radically modified. In valley areas below 8000 feet NGVD not used for agriculture, vegetation is classified as northern desert shrub and consists of sagebrush, rabbitbrush, and winterfat with an understory of various hardy grasses. Subalpine forest (aspen, lodgepole pine, Douglas and other firs, and Englemen spruce) extends from approximately 8000 feet NGVD to timberline. Much of the existing timber is second growth, the original stands having been destroyed by fires set by Indians in the summer of 1879 in protest against mismanagement of Indian affairs. 12