The Big Muddy Watershed, located in eastern Montana and western North Dakota, covers approximately 24,000 square miles. The hydrology of the watershed is dominated by the Missouri River, which runs through the region and is fed by numerous tributaries. The snowpack in the region varies widely from year to year, with some years experiencing heavy snowfall while others have minimal accumulation. Surface water quality is a concern in the region due to agricultural runoff and other pollutants. The watershed is home to several large reservoirs, including Lake Sakakawea and Fort Peck Lake, which are used for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and recreation. Climatic trends in the area include increasing temperatures, longer growing seasons, and more extreme precipitation events. The region is also prone to droughts, which can have significant impacts on agriculture and other industries.