TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)
SUMMARY
| Last Updated | 2024-11-06 |
| Discharge Volume | 456 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
229.7 cfs
-3.9 cfs (-1.67%) |
| Percent of Normal | 80.08% |
| Maximum |
9,175.0 cfs
2011-07-01 |
| Seasonal Avg | 287 cfs |
Total streamflow across the
Boulder River
was last observed at
230
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
456
acre-ft of water today; about 80%
of normal.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
287 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2011-07-01 when daily discharge volume was observed at
9,175 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
Boulder River At Big Timber Mt
reporting a streamflow rate of 172 cfs.
However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the
Boulder River Near Boulder Mt
with a gauge stage of 4.97 ft.
This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Boulder River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 4,823 ft, the
Boulder River Near Boulder Mt.
The Boulder River is located in southwestern Montana and is approximately 66 miles long. The river has a rich history, with evidence of human use dating back over 10,000 years. In the late 1800s, gold was discovered in the area, which led to increased settlement and development. Hydrologically, the Boulder River is fed by snowmelt and precipitation in the surrounding mountains, providing important water resources for agricultural purposes. The river also features several reservoirs and dams, including the Boulder River Dam, which was built in 1908 and is still in operation today. Recreationally, the Boulder River is popular for fishing, camping, and hiking, with many scenic trails and camping areas located along its banks.
YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)
Streamflow Conditions
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Boulder River Near Boulder Mt
USGS 06033000 |
31 cfs | 4.97 ft | -2.85 | |||||
|
Boulder River At Big Timber Mt
USGS 06200000 |
172 cfs | 1.43 ft | -13.57 |
History of the River
The Boulder River is a 77-mile (124 km) tributary of the Jefferson River in southwestern Montana in the United States.It rises in the Rocky Mountains at the continental divide in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in western Jefferson County. It flows east and southeast through the mountains past Boulder, then south to join the Jefferson near Cardwell.Game fish in the river include brook, brown, and rainbow trout, and mountain whitefish. Brown trout are most prevalent in the last 2 miles (3 km), near the mouth, and the other three species are more prevalent in the reach upstream of the town of Boulder. The lowermost 12 miles (19 km) of the river is affected by irrigation withdrawals, and the reach below the community of Basin is affected by seepage from old mines and tailings.
