South Fork Musselshell River Above Martinsdale flow report
As of July 13, 2026, South Fork Musselshell River Above Martinsdale is flowing at 43 cfs, holding steady over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #06118500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
South Fork Musselshell River Above Martinsdale at a glance
How South Fork Musselshell River Above Martinsdale is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
South Fork Musselshell River Above Martinsdale is flowing at 43 cfs, with the water sitting 3.88 ft at the gage. Flow has held roughly steady over the past 24 hours.
This is USGS gauge #06118500 in Montana. Over the past 10 days the average has been 40 cfs, peaking at 49 cfs.
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.
South Fork Musselshell River Above Martinsdale
It is primarily sourced from snowmelt and precipitation. The river has no major dams, but there are some minor tributaries that contribute to the flow. Seasonal trends show higher flow in the spring and early summer due to snowmelt, with lower flow in the fall and winter. Interestingly, the South Fork Musselshell River was once considered a prime location for gold mining in the late 1800s, but the gold rush was short-lived. The hydrology of the South Fork Musselshell River provides valuable information for understanding the water resources in the area.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check South Fork Musselshell River Above Martinsdale's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| South Fork Musselshell R Ab Martinsdale Mt | 43 cfs |
| Musselshell River Nr Martinsdale | 69 cfs |
| Musselshell River At Harlowton Mt | 78 cfs |
| Smith River Near Ft Logan Mt | 100 cfs |
| Musselshell River Ab Mud Cr Nr Shawmut Mt | 44 cfs |
| Smith River Bl Eagle Cr Nr Fort Logan Mt | 169 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near South Fork Musselshell River Above Martinsdale. 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 |
|---|---|
| Twodot E | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Daisy Peak | — |
| Elk Peak | 0 in |
| Daisy Peak | 0 in |
| Elk Peak | 0 in |
| Porcupine | 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 South Fork Musselshell River Above Martinsdale in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when South Fork Musselshell River Above Martinsdale crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About South Fork Musselshell River Above Martinsdale
Where does the streamflow data for South Fork Musselshell River Above Martinsdale come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 06118500. 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 South Fork Musselshell River Above Martinsdale 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 South Fork Musselshell River Above Martinsdale report
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