Belt Creek Near Monarch Flow Report
As of July 16, 2026, Belt Creek Near Monarch is flowing at 182 cfs with a gage height of 2.86 ft. Source: USGS gauge #06090500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Belt Creek Near Monarch at a glance
How Belt Creek Near Monarch is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Belt Creek Near Monarch is flowing at 182 cfs, with the water sitting 2.86 ft at the gage.
This is USGS gauge #06090500 in Montana. Over the past 10 days the average has been 237 cfs, peaking at 338 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Montana flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #06090500).
Estimate flows at an ungauged site
Drainage-area ratio transfer from this gauge . Most reliable for hydrologically similar sites in the same watershed with area ratios between roughly 0.5 and 1.5.
Percentiles are flow-duration values computed from this gauge’s observed daily record as archived by Snoflo. Return periods are Weibull plotting-position estimates from observed annual maxima, provided as general reference context only. Always verify against official USGS NWIS records. Part of Snoflo for Engineering.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, Belt Creek Near Monarch Mt is expected to recede from today's 182 cfs, toward roughly 141 cfs by 2026-07-21 (likely range 92-217 cfs) -- about normal for the date.
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s forecast engine, trained on this gauge’s full record of storms, snowmelt, and dry spells.
| Date | Expected (p50) | Likely range (p25–p75) | vs normal | Projected stage |
|---|
How does this compare to past years?
Year-over-year overlay, annual peak discharge, the full distribution of daily flows on record, and the gauge's rating curve.
Weather Forecast
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Belt Creek Near Monarch
The main flow provider is snowmelt, which causes the creek to experience high spring flows while low winter flows are caused by ice. Belt Creek has several tributaries, including Silver Creek, Stonewall Creek, and Weller Creek. There are no dams on Belt Creek itself, however, the Sluice Boxes State Park is located on a tributary of Belt Creek. The hydrology of Belt Creek is influenced by seasonal trends, with high flows during the spring and low flows during the winter. Additionally, Belt Creek is known to have good fishing for rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Belt Creek Near Monarch's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Belt Creek Near Monarch Mt | 182 cfs |
| Smith River Near Eden Mt | 228 cfs |
| Missouri River Near Great Falls Mt | 4,280 cfs |
| Missouri River Near Ulm Mt | 3,540 cfs |
| Smith River Bl Eagle Cr Nr Fort Logan Mt | 166 cfs |
| Smith River Near Ft Logan Mt | 104 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Belt Creek Near Monarch. Spring snowmelt is the dominant driver of streamflow in mountain basins -- a deep snowpack upstream means more runoff later in the season.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Stringer Creek | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Stringer Creek | 0 in |
| Onion Park | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Onion Park | 0 in |
| Great Falls Airport | 0 in |
| Deadman Creek | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Belt Creek Near Monarch.
Boat launches
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River runs
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River levels & flood safety
- Read the level before you go
- A river that's runnable at one flow can be deadly at another. Check current discharge and gage height — like the values shown above — against the flood-stage thresholds, and remember levels can spike fast after rain or a dam release.
- Respect cold water
- Snowmelt rivers run cold even in summer. Sudden immersion triggers cold-water shock and saps strength within minutes. Wear a PFD, dress for the water temperature (not the air), and never wade or paddle alone.
- Watch for swiftwater hazards
- Strainers (downed trees), undercut rocks, and low-head dams are the deadliest features on moving water. High, fast, muddy water hides them. If in doubt, scout from shore and portage.
- Mind flash floods & releases
- Narrow canyons can flood from a storm miles upstream, and dam-controlled reaches can rise without warning. Know the forecast, the release schedule, and your exit before you launch.
Track Belt Creek Near Monarch in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Belt Creek Near Monarch crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Belt Creek Near Monarch
Where does the streamflow data for Belt Creek Near Monarch come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 06090500. Snoflo refreshes the time series throughout the day. Forecasts come from the NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
USGS gauges report continuously (typically every 15 minutes). Snoflo pulls fresh values throughout the day — look for the "as of" timestamp on the streamflow hero card.
What's the difference between discharge and gage height?
Discharge (cubic feet per second, or cfs) is the volume of water flowing past the gauge each second. Gage height is how high the water sits at the gauge (feet). They're related by a rating curve specific to each gauge — higher water means more flow, but the exact ratio depends on channel shape.
How is "percent of median" calculated?
Today's discharge is compared to the historical median discharge on this calendar day across the gauge's full record. 100% = right on median; 200% = a very high year; 30% = a drought-level low.
What are flood stages, and is this river safe right now?
Flood stages are NWS-defined gage-height thresholds — Action, Minor, Moderate, Major — marking when nearby roads or floodplains start to be affected. "Safe" depends on your activity and skill: a level that's a fun paddle for an expert can be lethal for a wader. Always check the current level against the thresholds above and the safety links, and when in doubt, stay off the water.
Can I get alerts when Belt Creek Near Monarch rises?
Yes — flow alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this gauge, set a streamflow threshold (e.g. "alert me when discharge crosses 5,000 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
Access the free Belt Creek Near Monarch report
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