FLATHEAD RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
February 18, 2025


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Flathead River was last observed at 10,270 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 20,370 acre-ft of water today; about 50% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 20,613 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 Near Polson Mt reporting a streamflow rate of 6,750 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Flathead River At Perma Mt with a gauge stage of 14.14 ft. 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.

Last Updated 2025-02-18
Discharge Volume 20,370 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 10,270.0 cfs
-770.0 cfs (-6.97%)
Percent of Normal 49.82%
Maximum 165,650.0 cfs
2012-06-27
Seasonal Avg 20,613 cfs

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
511 cfs 4.64 ft -2.11
Flathead River At Columbia Falls Mt
USGS 12363000
3520 cfs 3.73 ft -1.12
Flathead River Near Polson Mt
USGS 12372000
6750 cfs 5.24 ft -9.76
Flathead River At Perma Mt
USGS 12388700
5340 cfs 14.14 ft -1.48
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.

       

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