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An understanding of the factors that determine watershed resilience to disturbance is a critical aspect of identifying those locations where conservation and restoration actions have the greatest potential for achieving the desired objectives and determining appropriate management strategies. We have developed a resilience-based framework for the Great Basin that is based on a hierarchical, multi-scale classification of watershed and riparian corridor resilience to disturbance. ��The framework provides information on the type, magnitude, and rates of ecosystem degradation and is based on the hydrologic, geomorphic, and biotic characteristics of the watersheds and their observed responses to disturbance.� We have identified five distinct categorizes of watershed resilience to date, each of which exhibits different potentials for conservation and restoration management. These watershed categories include: (1) stream segments characterized by rapid and extensive incision that has significantly degraded riparian and wet meadow ecosystems. These watersheds exhibit little opportunity for effective restoration and, while often exhibiting currently stable conditions, are prone to renewed incision; (2) stream segments characterized by high magnitude floods and large amounts of highly mobile sediment that leads to frequent and extensive avulsion and widespread reworking of the valley floor. The dynamic nature of these systems inhibit long-term channel stability and the implementation of restoration projects; (3) watersheds and channel systems characterized by slow, but continuous channel incision and, in some cases, localized avulsion. These reaches exhibit the highest potential for restoration; (4) stream reaches characterized by large bed and bank materials that can only be entrained during high magnitude events. These relatively stable reaches are resistant to extensive geomorphic and biotic alterations due to anthropogenic disturbance; and, (5) stream segments that are semi-stable, but exhibit characteristics that make them highly sensitivity to change, thereby requiring aggressive management strategies.