The Chippewa watershed, HUC 07020005, covers approximately 3,236 square miles in Minnesota. It is a sub-basin of the Upper Mississippi River Basin and is home to numerous lakes, rivers, and wetlands. The hydrology of the watershed is dominated by snowmelt during the spring months, with peak flows occurring in March and April. The area receives an average snowfall of 51 inches per year, which provides an important source of water for the watershed's rivers and lakes. Surface water quality in the Chippewa watershed is generally considered good, with some areas experiencing issues with excess nutrients and sedimentation. Major reservoirs in the watershed include Lake Traverse, Big Stone Lake, and Lac qui Parle. Interesting climatic facts about the area include its extreme temperature variability, with winter lows often dropping below -20°F and summer highs reaching over 90°F. Trends in the area include increasing temperatures and precipitation over the past several decades, which can impact snowpack and runoff patterns. Additionally, the area has experienced more frequent and severe flooding in recent years.