Blackfoot River River Levels

Total streamflow across the Blackfoot River was last observed at 322 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 639 acre-ft of water today; about 39% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 833 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2011-06-10 when daily discharge volume was observed at 23,497 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Blackfoot River Near Bonner Mt reporting a streamflow rate of 382 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Blackfoot River Nr Shelley Id with a gauge stage of 5.53 ft. This river is monitored from 7 different streamgauging stations along the Blackfoot River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 6,266 ft, the Blackfoot River Ab Reservoir Nr Henry Id.

The river was named after the Blackfoot Nation, a group of indigenous people who once inhabited the area. The Blackfoot River is a tributary of the Clark Fork River, which eventually flows into the Columbia River.

The river is fed by snowmelt and has a peak flow in late May and early June. The river's hydrology is influenced by two major dams, the Thompson Falls Dam and the Noxon Rapids Dam, which create reservoirs that provide hydroelectric power to the region.

The Blackfoot River is a popular recreational destination, known for its trout fishing and scenic beauty. The river was made famous by the book and movie "A River Runs Through It". The surrounding land is also used for agriculture, primarily for ranching and hay production. The river and its surrounding area have been protected by federal and state agencies, including the creation of the Blackfoot-Clearwater Wildlife Management Area.