The Rainy Lake watershed covers over 9,000 square miles and spans across the border of the United States and Canada. The hydrology of the region is heavily influenced by precipitation, with an average of 28 inches of rainfall and 120 inches of snowfall annually. The watershed contains a diverse range of aquatic habitats, including wetlands, lakes, and rivers, which support a variety of fish and wildlife species. Surface water quality is closely monitored due to the presence of several mining operations in the area. The region experiences extreme winter weather, with temperatures dropping to as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. Climate change is expected to have significant impacts on the watershed, including increased precipitation and higher temperatures, which could alter the hydrology of the region and impact fish and wildlife populations.