Blackfoot

Watershed Hydrology

The Blackfoot watershed (HUC 17010203) covers an area of approximately 3,090 square miles in western Montana. The area is characterized by high elevations, steep slopes, and deep valleys. The hydrology of the watershed is heavily influenced by snowpack, which accumulates during the winter months and melts during the spring and summer, providing vital water resources for the region. The surface water of the watershed is dominated by the Blackfoot River, which is a popular destination for fishing and rafting. There are several reservoirs in the watershed, including the Seeley Lake Reservoir and the Clearwater Reservoir. The climatic conditions in the watershed are diverse, with average annual precipitation ranging from 25 inches in the lower elevations to over 60 inches in the higher elevations. Trends indicate that the area is experiencing longer and drier summers, which may have implications for water resources and wildfire risk.


Surface Flows

Blackfoot Watershed

Snowpack Depths

Blackfoot Watershed

Dams & Reservoirs

Blackfoot Watershed

Groundwater Levels

Blackfoot Watershed

Blackfoot Rivers

Rivers of the Watershed