The Lower Musselshell watershed (HUC 10040205) is located in central Montana and covers an area of approximately 5,230 square miles. The hydrology of the watershed is dominated by the Musselshell River, which originates in the Little Belt Mountains and flows eastward through the region. The snowpack in the watershed varies each year, but typically accumulates in the higher elevations during the winter months and melts in the spring, contributing to the surface water flow. The surface water in the watershed is used for irrigation, recreation, and as a source of drinking water. The surrounding landscape is mostly rangeland and agricultural land, with occasional forested areas. Interesting climatic facts include the hot and dry summers, with average July temperatures reaching as high as 85°F, and the cold and snowy winters, with average January temperatures dipping down to 14°F. In recent years, the region has experienced longer and more severe droughts, which have impacted agriculture and wildlife in the area.