The Painted Woods Square Butte Watershed (HUC 10130101) is located in central North Dakota and covers an area of approximately 1,258 square miles. The area is characterized by rolling hills and is drained by the Knife River and its tributaries. The hydrology of the area is influenced by precipitation, which is primarily in the form of snow during the winter months. Snowpack in the watershed can vary greatly depending on winter weather patterns. Surface water in the watershed is limited, with most water flowing in intermittent or ephemeral streams. There are no major reservoirs within the watershed. The area experiences a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Recent climate trends indicate an increase in average temperatures and a decrease in precipitation, which may have implications for water availability in the watershed.