Summary
Total streamflow across the
Kootenai River
was last observed at
69,700
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
138,248
acre-ft of water today; about 158%
of normal.
River levels are high.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
44,090 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2023-05-19 when daily discharge volume was observed at
119,800 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
Kootenai River At Porthill Id
reporting a streamflow rate of 17,900 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 74.9 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.
River Details
| Last Updated | 2025-12-04 |
| Discharge Volume | 138,248 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
69,700.0 cfs
+17500.0 cfs (+33.52%) |
| Percent of Normal | 158.09% |
| Maximum |
119,800.0 cfs
2023-05-19 |
| 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 |
16600 cfs | 21.93 ft | -2.35 | |||||
|
Kootenai River At Leonia Id
USGS 12305000 |
17400 cfs | 15.74 ft | 1.16 | |||||
|
Kootenai River Bel Moyie River Nr Bonners Ferry Id
USGS 12308000 |
17800 cfs | 74.9 ft | -1.11 | |||||
|
Kootenai River @ Tribal Hatchery Nr Bonners Ferry
USGS 12310100 |
15700 cfs | 52.13 ft | -0.63 | |||||
|
Kootenai River At Porthill Id
USGS 12322000 |
17900 cfs | 45.87 ft | 23.45 |
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.