Willow Creek At Opportunity flow report
As of July 14, 2026, Willow Creek At Opportunity is flowing at 9 cfs with a gage height of 3.97 ft, holding steady over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #12323720, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Willow Creek At Opportunity at a glance
How Willow Creek At Opportunity is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Willow Creek At Opportunity is flowing at 9 cfs, with the water sitting 3.97 ft at the gage. Flow has held roughly steady over the past 24 hours.
This is USGS gauge #12323720 in Montana. Over the past 10 days the average has been 11 cfs, peaking at 14 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Montana flow report.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, Willow Creek At Opportunity is expected to hold near today's 9 cfs, toward roughly 8 cfs by 2026-07-19 (likely range 5-14 cfs) -- running well below the seasonal normal.
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s forecast engine, trained on this gauge’s full record of storms, snowmelt, and dry spells.
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.
Willow Creek At Opportunity
It is primarily used by the USGS to provide data to a range of constituents such as water management agencies, researchers, and policy-makers. The Willow Creek stream gauge is not directly affected by any specific tributaries or dams, but seasonal trends indicate spring snowmelt and summer rainstorms cause peak flows. Interestingly, the hydrology of the Willow Creek watershed is unique due to its location on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains. Additionally, Willow Creek is home to abundant fish and wildlife, including Montana's state fish, the westslope cutthroat trout.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Willow Creek At Opportunity's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Willow Creek At Opportunity | 9 cfs |
| Silver Bow Creek At Opportunity Mt | 42 cfs |
| Mill Creek At Opportunity | 13 cfs |
| Warm Springs Creek Near Anaconda Mt | 111 cfs |
| Silver Bow Creek At Warm Springs Mt | 68 cfs |
| Warm Springs Creek At Warm Springs Mt | 62 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Willow Creek At Opportunity. 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 |
|---|---|
| Anaconda | 0 in |
| Anaconda 7.4 Nw | 0 in |
| Barker Lakes | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Barker Lakes | 0 in |
| Warm Springs | 0 in |
| Warm Springs | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Willow Creek At Opportunity.
Boat launches
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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 Willow Creek At Opportunity in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Willow Creek At Opportunity crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Willow Creek At Opportunity
Where does the streamflow data for Willow Creek At Opportunity come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 12323720. 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 Willow Creek At Opportunity 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 Willow Creek At Opportunity report
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