The Mississippi Headwaters Watershed (HUC 07010101) covers approximately 4,115 square miles in northern Minnesota. The watershed is characterized by a mix of forested lands, wetlands, and agricultural areas. It is fed by numerous streams and lakes, including Lake Itasca, the source of the Mississippi River. The hydrology of the watershed is heavily influenced by snowmelt, which typically occurs in late winter and early spring. The snowpack can accumulate to depths of up to 40 inches in some areas. Surface water quality is generally good, with few impairments observed in the watershed. Reservoirs in the watershed serve primarily as flood control measures. The climate of the region is characterized by cold winters and mild summers, with average annual precipitation of around 30 inches. Recent trends in the area indicate an increase in average annual temperature and a decrease in snowpack accumulation.