South Fork Flathead

Watershed Hydrology

The South Fork Flathead Watershed (HUC 17010209) covers an area of 4,571 square kilometers in Montana, USA. It is known for its vast wilderness, rugged mountains, and pristine watersheds. The hydrology of the watershed is influenced by the Continental Divide and the surrounding mountain ranges, which feed numerous tributaries and streams. The watershed is home to a diverse range of aquatic species, including bull trout, westslope cutthroat trout, and mountain whitefish. The snowpack in the South Fork Flathead Watershed plays a crucial role in the hydrology of the area, with the snowmelt contributing to surface water and reservoirs. The watershed has several reservoirs, including Hungry Horse Reservoir, which is used for hydroelectric power generation and recreational activities. The climate of the watershed is characterized by long winters and short summers, with an average annual precipitation of 760 millimeters. Interesting climatic trends in the watershed include decreasing snowpack levels and increasing temperatures over the past few decades, which have led to concerns about water availability and impacts on aquatic ecosystems.


Surface Flows

South Fork Flathead Watershed

Snowpack Depths

South Fork Flathead Watershed

Dams & Reservoirs

South Fork Flathead Watershed

Groundwater Levels

South Fork Flathead Watershed

South Fork Flathead Rivers

Rivers of the Watershed