The elevation of the upland area is about 1,000 to the highest point of 1,210 feet msl. The difference in elevation between the lowest and highest points in the watershed is 445 feet over 50 miles. Extensive drainage has been performed in the western portion of the watershed near the Snake River, upstream of its confluence with the Middle River. Buried, Cretaceous aquifers exist in the headwaters of the Middle River and in the central portion of the watershed near the Middle River. A portion of the Red River-Winnipeg Aquifer underlies the western portion of the watershed.
Ground water is more scarce in the western portion of the watershed.
Recharge occurs primarily in the beach ridge area. Water management in the watershed is overseen by the Middle River - Snake River Watershed District. The district was established in 1970. For more information about Minnesota, visit the Northstar Web site.