The Middle Cheyenne Elk Watershed encompasses an area of approximately 1,616 square kilometers and is characterized by a variety of land uses, including agriculture, forested areas, and grasslands. The watershed is fed by several tributaries, including the Mule Creek and Medicine Creek, which ultimately drain into the Cheyenne River. The area experiences a continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Snowpack typically accumulates in the higher elevations during the winter months, providing important water resources for the region. Surface water in the watershed is used for agricultural irrigation and domestic purposes. The reservoirs in the area, such as the Belle Fourche Reservoir, are important sources of hydroelectric power generation and irrigation. One interesting climatic trend in the Middle Cheyenne Elk Watershed is the increasing frequency and intensity of drought events, which have important implications for water resources and land use in the region.