MONTANA FLOW REPORT

May 19 2025
       

Streamflow levels across Montana are currently 95.0% of normal, with the Clark Fork Near Plains Mt reporting the highest discharge in the state with 35900cfs and gauge stage of 9.07 ft. Meanwhile, the Musselshell River Nr Martinsdale is seeing a spike in streamflows today after experiencing a 119.79% increase since yesterday, and currently running at 422cfs.

Maximum gauge stage in the state was last observed at the Bighorn River Near St. Xavier, currently reporting a stage of 59.9ft. The Soda Butte Cr At Park Bndry At Silver Gate in the Yellowstone Headwaters watershed is surging for this time of year at 406cfs, about 260.18% of normal.

Montana Flow History


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

Rafting & Kayaking

River Run Segments
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