2026-03-05T18:00:00-07:00
The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from noon to 6 PM MST Thursday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 241, 246 and 247. * TIMING...From noon to 6 PM MST Thursday. * WINDS...South 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...10 to 15 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.
Summary
Total streamflow across the
Kootenai River
was last observed at
23,730
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
47,068
acre-ft of water today; about 101%
of normal.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
23,443 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2025-12-18 when daily discharge volume was observed at
128,600 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
Kootenai River @ Tribal Hatchery Nr Bonners Ferry
reporting a streamflow rate of 15,700 cfs.
However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the
Kootenai River Bel Moyie River Nr Bonners Ferry Id
with a gauge stage of 72.06 ft.
This river is monitored from 5 different streamgauging stations along the Kootenai River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 2,121 ft, the
Kootenai River Bl Libby Dam Nr Libby Mt.
15-Day Weather Outlook
River Details
| Last Updated | 2026-03-04 |
| Discharge Volume | 47,068 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
23,730.0 cfs
+140.0 cfs (+0.59%) |
| Percent of Normal | 101.22% |
| Maximum |
128,600.0 cfs
2025-12-18 |
| Seasonal Avg | cfs |
River Streamflow Levels
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Kootenai River Bl Libby Dam Nr Libby Mt
USGS 12301933 |
4220 cfs | 17.86 ft | -0.47 | |||||
|
Kootenai River At Leonia Id
USGS 12305000 |
5940 cfs | 11.21 ft | 0.68 | |||||
|
Kootenai River Bel Moyie River Nr Bonners Ferry Id
USGS 12308000 |
6580 cfs | 72.06 ft | 0 | |||||
|
Kootenai River @ Tribal Hatchery Nr Bonners Ferry
USGS 12310100 |
15700 cfs | 52.13 ft | -0.63 | |||||
|
Kootenai River At Porthill Id
USGS 12322000 |
6990 cfs | 42.88 ft | 1.75 |
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile
Historically, the river was used by indigenous tribes for fishing, trading, and transportation. Today, the Kootenai River is an important source of hydroelectric power with several dams and reservoirs along its course, including the Libby Dam, which creates the 90-mile-long Lake Koocanusa. The river and its tributaries are also used for irrigation, supporting agriculture in the region. Recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping are popular along the river, particularly in the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. The Kootenai River is also known for its scenic beauty, with steep canyons, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife.