North Dakota is situated in the northern Great Plains, with a predominantly continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. The Missouri River is the largest river flow in the state, with a variety of tributaries, reservoirs, and dams that help provide hydroelectric power, irrigation, and flood control. Other major surface flows in North Dakota include the Red River of the North, the Souris River, and the Devils Lake Basin. Snowpack and precipitation play a significant role in the state's hydrology, with the western portions of North Dakota receiving more precipitation than the east. Watershed management is important in North Dakota to help maintain water quality and quantity for agricultural, industrial, and domestic use.