2025-12-06T14:00:00-07:00
...SERIES OF WINTER STORMS TO AFFECT THE MOUNTAINS AND PASSES THROUGH THE SATURDAY... .The first round of heavy snow is expected to last through early Friday morning and will primarily focus on the mountains of central and southwest Montana with 4 to 8 inches possible along the mountain passes including Bozeman and Kings Hill Pass. A period of lighter snowfall is expected Friday morning and afternoon. The second and more widespread round of heavier snowfall is expected to arrive Friday evening and continue into Saturday evening with an additional 6 to 12 inches possible over the passes and higher amounts above pass level. * WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Snowfall totals between 8 and 12 inches at pass level and up to 24 inches above pass level. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains, Little Belt and Highwood Mountains, and Gallatin and Madison County Mountains and Centennial Mountains. * WHEN...Until 2 PM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult and tire chains may be required for some vehicles. Those in the backcountry should ensure they are prepared for dangerous conditions. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Significant travel impacts to the Thursday and Friday commutes are possible for Bozeman Pass and along Highway 191 south of Bozeman.
Summary
The ideal streamflow range for this river is between 1,000 to 4,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). The class rating for the Madison River ranges from Class I to Class IV, depending on the segment of the river. The river has a total length of 183 miles, with the whitewater section spanning 30 miles from Madison Dam to the town of Ennis.
The Madison River offers exciting rapids and obstacles along the way, including the Kitchen Sink, a Class III rapid, and the Ennis Riffle, a popular Class II+ rapid. The river also features several fishing spots, making it a popular destination for anglers. As for regulations, the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks enforces strict fishing regulations to protect the native fish species, including catch-and-release policies.
In addition to fishing regulations, there are also guidelines for river use, such as wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times while on the water and obeying speed limits within 100 feet of other boats or people in the water. The Madison River is a popular destination for both recreational and professional rafters, and it's important to follow these regulations to ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment of the river.
River Run Details
| Last Updated | 2025-06-28 |
| River Levels | 1360 cfs (2.17 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 56% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iv-iii |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 06038800 |
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Madison Campground
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Madison River Campground
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Madison River
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West Fork Madison Campground
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West Fork Madison
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Raynolds Pass FAS
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Quake Lake Boat Launch
WINDY POINT BOAT LAUNCH
PALISADES DAY USE
Madison River
Wf Madison River, Sec. 10 T11S R1E To Jackpine Rd #1209, Sec. 4, T12S R1E
Hebgen Lake Dam, Sec. 23, T11S, R3E To Gallatin Forest Boundary, Sec. 35, T11S, R2E
Jackpine Rd & Wf Madison Rd, Sec. 4, T12S, R1E To Shakelford Homestead, Sec. 25, T1S, R1W