BITTERROOT RIVER

River Levels Streamflow Hydrology
November 21, 2024

TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)

SUMMARY

Last Updated 2024-11-20
Discharge Volume 1,700 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 857.0 cfs
-20.0 cfs (-2.28%)
Percent of Normal 54.09%
Maximum 42,770.0 cfs
2018-05-11
Seasonal Avg 1,584 cfs

Total streamflow across the Bitterroot River was last observed at 857 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 1,700 acre-ft of water today; about 54% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,584 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2018-05-11 when daily discharge volume was observed at 42,770 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Bitterroot River Near Missoula Mt reporting a streamflow rate of 668 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Bitterroot River At Bell Crossing Nr Victor Mt with a gauge stage of 4.47 ft. This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Bitterroot River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 3,955 ft, the Bitterroot River Near Darby Mt.

The Bitterroot River is a 84-mile-long river in western Montana, USA. It was named by the Salish tribe and was used extensively by the Native Americans for fishing and hunting. The river originates from the Bitterroot Mountains and merges with the Clark Fork River in Missoula. The river is primarily fed by snowmelt, and its hydrology is influenced by irrigation and dam operation. There are several reservoirs and dams along the river, including Painted Rocks Reservoir and Lake Como Dam. The Bitterroot River is popular for recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and rafting. Agriculture is a significant user of the river, with irrigation canals diverting water for crop production. The Bitterroot River is a vital resource for the state of Montana, providing irrigation water, hydroelectric power, and recreation opportunities.

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Bitterroot River Near Darby Mt
USGS 12344000
174 cfs 1.34 ft -10.31
Bitterroot River At Bell Crossing Nr Victor Mt
USGS 12350250
331 cfs 4.47 ft -5.43
Bitterroot River Near Missoula Mt
USGS 12352500
668 cfs 3.04 ft 0
History of the River

The Bitterroot River is a northward flowing 84-mile (135 km) river running through the Bitterroot Valley, from the confluence of its West and East forks near Conner in southern Ravalli County to its confluence with the Clark Fork River near Missoula in Missoula County, in western Montana. The Clark Fork River is tributary to the Columbia River and ultimately, the Pacific Ocean. The Bitterroot River is a Blue Ribbon trout fishery with a healthy population of native westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout. It is the third most fly fished river in Montana behind the Madison and Big Horn Rivers.

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Watershed River Levels

683

Cubic Feet Per Second

1860

Cubic Feet Per Second

173

Cubic Feet Per Second

1580

Cubic Feet Per Second