Montana Flow Report

RIVER FLOWS WEATHER HYDROLOGY
April 27, 2024



Streamflow levels across Montana are currently 65.0% of normal, with the Clark Fork Near Plains Mt reporting the highest discharge in the state with 12300cfs and gauge stage of 5 ft. Meanwhile, the Gardner River Near Mammoth Ynp is seeing a spike in streamflows today after experiencing a 25.89% increase since yesterday, and currently running at 248cfs.

Maximum gauge stage in the state was last observed at the Bighorn River Near St. Xavier, currently reporting a stage of 61.99ft. The St. Mary Canal At Intake Near Babb Mt in the St. Mary watershed is surging for this time of year at 617cfs, about 66.87% of normal.


Surface Flow Characteristics


Montana has a varied climate and terrain that greatly affects its flow conditions. The state boasts of major rivers such as the Missouri, Yellowstone, and the Clark Fork, which drain into the Mississippi, Missouri, and Columbia Rivers, respectively. Montana also has a number of reservoirs/dams, such as the Fort Peck Dam and the Hungry Horse Dam, which serve as major power sources and water storage for the state. The state's hydrology is influenced by its mountainous terrain, which leads to high precipitation levels and generates snowpacks. These snowpacks, in turn, largely determine the state's flow conditions in the summer months. Montana's flow conditions are also affected by its climate, which is characterized by dry summers and cold winters. Overall, Montana's flow conditions are shaped by a mix of climatic and topographic factors, including watershed, snowpack, and precipitation.


Streamgauge Profile


Statewide Warnings & Alerts

GALLATIN AND MADISON COUNTY MOUNTAINS AND CENTENNIAL MOUNTAINS
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Additional accumulations up to 3 inches below 7000 feet with 3 to 8 inches above 7000 feet. * WHERE...Gallatin and Madison County Mountains and Centennial Mountains. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions.

NORTHWEST BEAVERHEAD COUNTY
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Additional accumulations up to 3 inches below 7000 feet with 3 to 8 inches above 7000 feet. * WHERE...Northwest Beaverhead County. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.

ELKHORN AND BOULDER MOUNTAINS
* WHAT...Wet snow. Additional snow accumulations up to 3 inches. * WHERE...Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions.

RUBY MOUNTAINS AND SOUTHERN BEAVERHEAD MOUNTAINS
* WHAT...Snow expected. Additional snow accumulations up to 2 inches below 7000 feet with 3 to 6 inches above 7000 feet. * WHERE...Ruby Mountains and Southern Beaverhead Mountains. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions.

ABSAROKA/BEARTOOTH MOUNTAINS; CRAZY MOUNTAINS
* WHAT...Periods of snow. Additional snow accumulations of 5 to 12 inches today through early Sunday. Greatest amounts at elevations above 8000 feet. * WHERE...Absaroka/Beartooth Mountains and Crazy Mountains. * WHEN...Until 6 AM MDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Recreation in the high country will be impacted by heavy accumulating snow.

WESTERN LEMHI COUNTY; EASTERN LEMHI COUNTY
* WHAT...Snow expected Lemhi County above 6000 feet. Total snow accumulations up to 9 inches. * WHERE...Bannock Pass, Williams Creek Summit, Highway 28 Tendoy to Lone Pine, Lemhi Pass, and Highway 93 Lost Trail Pass to Gibbonsville. * WHEN...From 4 PM this afternoon to 6 PM MDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Travel ...

BUTTE/BLACKFOOT REGION
* WHAT...Snow expected Butte/Blackfoot Region above 6000 feet. Total snow accumulations up to 8 inches. * WHERE...MacDonald Pass, Homestake Pass and Georgetown Lake. * WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to 6 PM MDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be affected.

BITTERROOT/SAPPHIRE MOUNTAINS
* WHAT...Snow expected Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains above 6000 feet. Total snow accumulations up to 5 inches. Locations below 6000 feet may also see 1-2 inches of new snow and slush. * WHERE...Highway 93 Sula to Lost Trail Pass. * WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to 6 PM MDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Travel ...


Popular Whitewater Destinations

River Run Status Streamflow (CFS) Air Temp (F)
33.44
Bear Creek to Essex
Class II to III+
RUNNABLE 445 55
RUNNABLE 1030 46
Bible Run
Class III to IV
RUNNABLE 529 54
Big Creek to Glacier Rim
Class III- to III
RUNNABLE 1380 47
Border to Polebridge
Class II to II+
TOO LOW 432 45
RUNNABLE 1970 41
RUNNABLE 1290 49
Gardiner Town Run
Class III- to III+
RUNNABLE 1080 43
RUNNABLE 4590 49
Missoula Town Run
Class II to II+
RUNNABLE 958 49
RUNNABLE 4310 53
Moose to Storm Castle
Class III+ to IV+
RUNNABLE 308 51
Polebridge to Big Creek
Class II to III-
RUNNABLE 4590 49
RUNNABLE 4310 53
RUNNABLE 4310 53
RUNNABLE 1080 43
Flow Reports by Region

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