Bitter

Watershed Hydrology

The Bitter Watershed (HUC 14040105) covers an area of approximately 3,085 square miles in southwestern Montana and includes parts of the Bitterroot, Beaverhead, and Big Hole rivers. The region is characterized by a snowpack-dominated hydrology, with winter snowpack contributing up to 80% of the annual water supply. The area also contains several reservoirs, including the Clark Canyon Reservoir, used for irrigation, power generation, and recreation. The region experiences a semi-arid continental climate, with cold, snowy winters and hot, dry summers. Climate trends in the area include earlier snowmelt, which can result in reduced summer water availability and increased wildfire risk. Additionally, recent years have seen an increase in extreme weather events, including heavy precipitation and flooding. The region is of particular interest to water resource managers due to its reliance on snowpack and vulnerability to climate change impacts.


Surface Flows

Bitter Watershed

Snowpack Depths

Bitter Watershed

Dams & Reservoirs

Bitter Watershed

Groundwater Levels

Bitter Watershed

Bitter Rivers

Rivers of the Watershed