Blacktail Creek At Butte flow report
Historical Data
Blacktail Creek At Butte at a glance
How Blacktail Creek At Butte is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Blacktail Creek At Butte is flowing at 16 cfs, with the water sitting 1.28 ft at the gage. Flow is up 6% since yesterday — a rising hydrograph.
This is USGS gauge #12323240 in Montana.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Montana flow report.
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.
Blacktail Creek At Butte
It is fed by numerous tributaries, including Silver Bow Creek and Willow Creek, and is impounded by Thompson Dam. Seasonal trends show an increase in flow during April through June due to snowmelt and a decrease during summer months. Interestingly, the water quality in Blacktail Creek has improved in recent years due to remediation efforts aimed at reducing heavy metal contaminants related to mining activities. This creek is vital for recreation, fishing, and irrigation, making it an essential resource for the Butte community.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Blacktail Creek At Butte's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Blacktail Creek At Butte Mt | 16 cfs |
| Silver Bow Cr Bl Blacktail Cr At Butte Mt | 15 cfs |
| Silver Bow Creek At Opportunity Mt | 45 cfs |
| Willow Creek At Opportunity | 9 cfs |
| Mill Creek At Opportunity | 14 cfs |
| Silver Bow Creek At Warm Springs Mt | 70 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Blacktail Creek At Butte. 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 |
|---|---|
| Basin Creek | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Basin Creek | 0 in |
| Anaconda | 0 in |
| Rocker Peak | 0 in |
| Anaconda 7.4 Nw | 0 in |
| Rocker Peak | 0 in |
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 Blacktail Creek At Butte in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Blacktail Creek At Butte crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Blacktail Creek At Butte
Where does the streamflow data for Blacktail Creek At Butte come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 12323240. 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 Blacktail Creek At Butte 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 Blacktail Creek At Butte report
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