The Platte River is the primary hydrological feature in the Platte-Spunk Watershed, covering an area of approximately 1,665 square miles. The river starts in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and flows northward into Nebraska before turning east and flowing through the watershed. The watershed is largely agricultural, and the river provides water for irrigation and drinking water for local communities. The area experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers, and average annual precipitation is around 27 inches. The region has experienced an increase in extreme precipitation events over the past several decades, leading to flooding and erosion. The watershed contains several reservoirs, including the Sauk River Chain of Lakes, which provide recreation opportunities and regulate water flows. Snowpack in the area varies from year to year, with some years experiencing heavier snowfall than others.