BLACKFOOT RIVER

River Levels Streamflow Hydrology
November 21, 2024

TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)

SUMMARY

Last Updated 2024-11-20
Discharge Volume 1,613 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 813.0 cfs
-169.5 cfs (-17.25%)
Percent of Normal 84.33%
Maximum 23,497.0 cfs
2011-06-10
Seasonal Avg 964 cfs

Total streamflow across the Blackfoot River was last observed at 813 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 1,613 acre-ft of water today; about 84% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 964 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 5.54 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 Blackfoot River, located in western Montana, is a 137-mile long river that has played a significant role in the history of the region. 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.

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Blackfoot River Ab Reservoir Nr Henry Id
USGS 13063000
63 cfs 2.15 ft -4.12
Blackfoot River Nr Shelley Id
USGS 13066000
102 cfs 5.54 ft 5.77
Blackfoot River Below North Canal At Blackfoot Id
USGS 13068300
159 cfs 3.25 ft -3.64
Blackfoot River Bypass Nr Blackfoot Id
USGS 13068495
33 cfs 5.09 ft -16.06
Blackfoot River Nr Blackfoot Id
USGS 13068500
86 cfs 2.61 ft -6.48
Blackfoot R Ab Nevada Cr Nr Helmville Mt
USGS 12335100
129 cfs 3.56 ft -1.52
Blackfoot River Near Bonner Mt
USGS 12340000
382 cfs 1.69 ft -1.2
History of the River

Blackfoot is a city in Bingham County, Idaho, United States. The population was 11,899 at the 2010 census. The city is the county seat of Bingham County. Blackfoot boasts the largest potato industry in any one area, and is known as the "Potato Capital of the World." It is the site of the Idaho Potato Museum (a museum and gift shop that displays and explains the history of Idaho's potato industry), and the home of the world's largest baked potato and potato chip. Blackfoot is also the location of the Eastern Idaho State Fair, which operates between Labor Day weekend and the following weekend.
Blackfoot is the principal city of the Blackfoot, Idaho, Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Bingham County.

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