S F Flathead River Near Columbia Falls Flow Report
As of July 16, 2026, S F Flathead River Near Columbia Falls is flowing at 3,470 cfs with a gage height of 6.61 ft, holding steady over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #12362500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
S F Flathead River Near Columbia Falls at a glance
How S F Flathead River Near Columbia Falls is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
S F Flathead River Near Columbia Falls is flowing at 3,470 cfs, with the water sitting 6.61 ft at the gage. Flow has held roughly steady over the past 24 hours.
This is USGS gauge #12362500 in Montana. Over the past 10 days the average has been 3,514 cfs, peaking at 3,560 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 #12362500).
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, S F Flathead River Nr Columbia Falls Mt is expected to hold near today's 3470 cfs, toward roughly 3196 cfs by 2026-07-21 (likely range 2066-4944 cfs) -- drier than 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.
S F Flathead River Near Columbia Falls
The flow providers and constituents of this river and its watershed include snowmelt, precipitation, and groundwater. The river is regulated by several dams, including Hungry Horse Dam and Kerr Dam, which affect the seasonal flow patterns. In the spring, snowmelt causes the river to rise, while in the summer, low precipitation and increased water usage can cause the river to recede. The South Fork Flathead River is a popular destination for fishing, kayaking, and rafting, and is home to several species of trout and salmon.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check S F Flathead River Near Columbia Falls's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| S F Flathead River Nr Columbia Falls Mt | 3,470 cfs |
| Flathead River At Columbia Falls Mt | 9,570 cfs |
| Middle Fork Flathead River Nr West Glacier Mt | 3,140 cfs |
| N F Flathead River Nr Columbia Falls Mt | 3,020 cfs |
| Swan River Near Bigfork Mt | 1,430 cfs |
| S F Flathead R Ab Twin C Nr Hungry Horse Mt | 1,900 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near S F Flathead River Near Columbia Falls. 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 |
|---|---|
| Nohrsc Emery Creek | 0 in |
| Emery Creek | 0 in |
| West Glacier | 0 in |
| Noisy Basin | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Kalispell 2.6 Ne | 0 in |
| Noisy Basin | — |
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 S F Flathead River Near Columbia Falls in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when S F Flathead River Near Columbia Falls crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About S F Flathead River Near Columbia Falls
Where does the streamflow data for S F Flathead River Near Columbia Falls come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 12362500. 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 S F Flathead River Near Columbia Falls 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 S F Flathead River Near Columbia Falls report
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