While the hydrographic slope of lac des Neiges is mainly served by the forest road R0308 coming from the South and passing on the East side of the lake.

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

It then flows south over a distance of 36.6 kilometres (22.7 mi) to reach the Montmorency river past the southern limit of the wildlife reserve.

The origin of these toponymic designations is associated with the presence of snow on the surrounding peaks for a greater part of the year than in the lower valleys.

[4] The toponym Rivière des Neiges was formalized on December 5, 1968 at the Commission de toponymie du Québec.