The subsection consists of two sub-subsections. Average annual precipitation ranges from 30 to 32 inches, and average annual snowfall ranges from 40 to 80 inches, with highest levels in the west near Lake Michigan. In general, the extreme minimum temperature becomes lower farther north in the subsection, but there is also a large frost pocket in northern Ingham and Ionia Counties near the center of the subsection.
Many streams are present in both sub-subsections.