The water level of the river varies with the seasons and the precipitation; the spring flood occurs in March or April.

The Jaune River originates at the confluence of two mountain streams about 10 km north of Beauport Lake, in the southwestern part of the grounds of the Séminaire de Québec.

Its watershed, which rises north of the municipality of Lac-Beauport, is 82 square kilometres (32 sq mi) and includes the sub-basins of Beauport Lake and Valet stream.

The Jaune River sub-basin is located in a leafy area characterized mainly by the climatic range of the maple forest with yellow birch and beech.

Human activity is present in the form of low-density urban developments on the banks of the Jaune River and Lake Beauport and some recreational and tourist facilities (skiing, golf, accommodation establishments, summer camps).