TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE
Total streamflow across the
Madison River
was last observed at
4,140
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
8,212
acre-ft of water today; about 95%
of normal.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
4,366 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2011-06-25 when daily discharge volume was observed at
26,220 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
Madison River Bl Ennis Lake Nr Mcallister Mt
reporting a streamflow rate of 1,280 cfs.
This is also the highest stage along the Madison River, with a gauge stage of
3.66 ft at this location.
This river is monitored from 6 different streamgauging stations along the Madison River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 6,634 ft, the
Madison River Near West Yellowstone Mt.
The Madison River is a tributary of the Missouri River that runs through the states of Wyoming and Montana. It spans a length of 183 miles and is known for its blue-ribbon trout fishing. The river was named after James Madison, the fourth President of the United States.
The Madison River is fed by several tributaries, including the Firehole River and the Gibbon River, and is a vital source of irrigation for the surrounding agricultural areas. The river is also home to several hydroelectric dams, including Hebgen Dam and Madison Dam, which provide electricity to the region.
Recreationally, the Madison River offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and rafting, and is popular among tourists and locals alike. The river has also played a significant role in the history of the region, serving as a hunting ground for Native American tribes and as a source of transportation for early settlers. Today, the Madison River remains an important part of the cultural and economic fabric of the region.
| Last Updated | 2024-12-25 |
| Discharge Volume | 8,212 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
4,140.0 cfs
-158.0 cfs (-3.68%) |
| Percent of Normal | 94.82% |
| Maximum |
26,220.0 cfs
2011-06-25 |
| Seasonal Avg | 4,366 cfs |
YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)
Streamflow Conditions
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Madison River Near West Yellowstone Mt
USGS 06037500 |
335 cfs | 1.69 ft | -2.05 | |||||
|
Madison River Bl Hebgen Lake Nr Grayling Mt
USGS 06038500 |
707 cfs | 1.55 ft | 0 | |||||
|
Madison River At Kirby Ranch Nr Cameron Mt
USGS 06038800 |
788 cfs | 1.68 ft | -1.38 | |||||
|
Madison River Near Cameron Mt
USGS 06040000 |
1030 cfs | 2.19 ft | 0 | |||||
|
Madison River Ab Powerplant Nr Mcallister Mt
USGS 06040800 |
116 cfs | 3.2 ft | 6.42 | |||||
|
Madison River Bl Ennis Lake Nr Mcallister Mt
USGS 06041000 |
1280 cfs | 3.66 ft | -9.86 |
History of the River
The Madison River is a headwater tributary of the Missouri River, approximately 183 miles (295 km) long, in Wyoming and Montana. Its confluence with the Jefferson and Gallatin rivers near Three Forks, Montana forms the Missouri River.
The Madison rises in Teton County in northwestern Wyoming at the confluence of the Firehole and Gibbon rivers, a location known as Madison Junction in Yellowstone National Park. It flows west then north through the mountains of southwestern Montana to join the Jefferson and Gallatin rivers at Three Forks. The Missouri River Headwaters State Park is located on the Madison at Three Forks. In its upper reaches in Gallatin County, Montana, the Hebgen Dam forms Hebgen Lake. In its middle reaches in Madison County, Montana, the Madison Dam forms Ennis Lake and provides hydroelectric power. In 1959, the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake formed Quake Lake just downstream from Hebgen Dam. Downstream from Ennis, the Madison flows through Bear Trap Canyon, known for its class IV-V whitewater. The Bear Trap Canyon section is part of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness area.
The river was named in July 1805 by Meriwether Lewis at Three Forks. The central fork of the three, it was named for U.S. Secretary of State James Madison, who would succeed Thomas Jefferson as President in 1809. The western fork, the largest, was named for President Jefferson and the east fork for Treasury Secretary Albert Gallatin.
The Madison is a Class I river in Montana for the purposes of access for recreational use.