Total streamflow across the
Bitterroot River
was last observed at
774
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
1,535
acre-ft of water today; about 58%
of normal.
River levels are low and may signify a drought.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
1,323 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 At Bell Crossing Nr Victor Mt
reporting a streamflow rate of 1,130 cfs.
This is also the highest stage along the Bitterroot River, with a gauge stage of
5.7 ft at this location.
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.
Last Updated | 2025-02-04 |
Discharge Volume | 1,535 ACRE-FT |
Streamflow |
774.0 cfs
None cfs (None%) |
Percent of Normal | 58.48% |
Maximum |
42,770.0 cfs
2018-05-11 |
Seasonal Avg | 1,323 cfs |
Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bitterroot River Near Darby Mt
USGS 12344000 |
180 cfs | 1.33 ft | -68.86 | |||||
Bitterroot River At Bell Crossing Nr Victor Mt
USGS 12350250 |
1130 cfs | 5.7 ft | -4.24 | |||||
Bitterroot River Near Missoula Mt
USGS 12352500 |
631 cfs | 2.99 ft | 24.16 |
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.