FLATHEAD RIVER

River Levels Streamflow Hydrology
November 21, 2024

TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)

SUMMARY

Last Updated 2024-11-20
Discharge Volume 27,644 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 13,937.0 cfs
-5.0 cfs (-0.04%)
Percent of Normal 66.43%
Maximum 165,650.0 cfs
2012-06-27
Seasonal Avg 20,980 cfs

Total streamflow across the Flathead River was last observed at 13,937 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 27,644 acre-ft of water today; about 66% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 20,980 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2012-06-27 when daily discharge volume was observed at 165,650 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Flathead River At Perma Mt reporting a streamflow rate of 5,360 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Flathead River, with a gauge stage of 7.51 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 4 different streamgauging stations along the Flathead River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 3,983 ft, the Flathead River At Flathead British Columbia.

The Flathead River is a 158-mile-long river located in western Montana, USA. The river has a rich history, having been inhabited by Native American tribes for centuries. It was also a major transportation route for fur traders in the 1800s. The river's hydrology is largely influenced by the surrounding mountains and glaciers, resulting in a steady flow of cold, clean water. The river is home to several reservoirs and dams, including the Kerr Dam and Hungry Horse Dam, which provide hydroelectric power and irrigation water for nearby agricultural communities. Recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, and rafting are popular along the river, which is known for its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife.

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Flathead River At Flathead British Columbia
USGS 12355000
160 cfs 4.11 ft -3.09
Flathead River At Columbia Falls Mt
USGS 12363000
3520 cfs 3.79 ft 0
Flathead River Near Polson Mt
USGS 12372000
4960 cfs 4.35 ft -0.4
Flathead River At Perma Mt
USGS 12388700
5360 cfs 7.51 ft 0.38
History of the River

The Flathead River (Salish: ntx̣ʷetkʷ, ntx̣ʷe ), in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Montana, originates in the Canadian Rockies to the north of Glacier National Park and flows southwest into Flathead Lake, then after a journey of 158 miles (254 km), empties into the Clark Fork. The river is part of the Columbia River drainage basin, as the Clark Fork is a tributary of the Pend Oreille River, a Columbia River tributary. With a drainage basin extending over 8,795 square miles (22,780 km2) and an average discharge of 11,380 cubic feet per second (322 m3/s), the Flathead is the largest tributary of the Clark Fork and constitutes over half of its flow.

Weather Forecast



16-Day Long Term Forecast
       

Get Unparalelled Insights

Explore the Map

Whether you're planning your next ski trip or tracking stream flows for an upcoming rafting expedition, our map offers instant access to essential conditions, forecasts, and trends.

Watershed River Levels

549

Cubic Feet Per Second

31

Cubic Feet Per Second

645

Cubic Feet Per Second

3500

Cubic Feet Per Second