MONTANA FLOW REPORT

December 21 2024

Streamflow levels across Montana are currently 82.0% of normal, with the Kootenai River Bl Libby Dam Nr Libby Mt reporting the highest discharge in the state with 20500cfs and gauge stage of 22.79 ft. Meanwhile, the Middle Fork Rock Cr Nr Philipsburg Mt is seeing a spike in streamflows today after experiencing a 430.09% increase since yesterday, and currently running at 229cfs.

Maximum gauge stage in the state was last observed at the Bighorn River Near St. Xavier, currently reporting a stage of 60.42ft. The S F Flathead River Nr Columbia Falls Mt in the South Fork Flathead watershed is surging for this time of year at 2550cfs, about 20.07% of normal.


About Montana



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.

Streamflow Distribution

Paddling 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
       

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