FLATHEAD RIVER

FLATHEAD RIVER

River Levels Streamgages Weather


Total streamflow across the Flathead River was last observed at 21,603 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 42,849 acre-ft of water today; about 82% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 26,496 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 7,540 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Flathead River, with a gauge stage of 8.51 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.

July 26, 2024

°F

°F

mph

Windspeed

%

Humidity

Last Updated 2024-07-26
Discharge Volume 42,849 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 21,603.0 cfs
-410.0 cfs (-1.86%)
Percent of Normal 81.53%
Maximum 165,650.0 cfs
2012-06-27
Seasonal Avg 26,496 cfs
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Flathead River At Flathead British Columbia
USGS 12355000
403 cfs 4.69 ft -2.42
Flathead River At Columbia Falls Mt
USGS 12363000
6340 cfs 5.07 ft -3.65
Flathead River Near Polson Mt
USGS 12372000
7320 cfs 5.5 ft 8.44
Flathead River At Perma Mt
USGS 12388700
7540 cfs 8.51 ft -8.83

Regional Streamflow

1620

Cubic Feet Per Second

7540

Cubic Feet Per Second

750

Cubic Feet Per Second

3250

Cubic Feet Per Second

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Historical River Levels

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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