Milk River River Levels

Total streamflow across the Milk River was last observed at 606 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 1,203 acre-ft of water today; about 12% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 5,138 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2018-04-24 when daily discharge volume was observed at 72,890 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Milk River At Eastern Crossing Of Int Bndry reporting a streamflow rate of 302 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Milk River Near Dodson Mt with a gauge stage of 3.1 ft. This river is monitored from 8 different streamgauging stations along the Milk River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 2,656 ft, the Milk River At Eastern Crossing Of Int Bndry.

The river is named after its milky appearance, which is caused by suspended sediments from glacial runoff. The Milk River was historically important to the indigenous Blackfeet people, who relied on it for water and hunting. The St. Mary River Dam and Reservoir, located in Montana, was built in 1921 for irrigation purposes and is the largest reservoir on the Milk River. Other reservoirs include the Fresno Reservoir and Nelson Reservoir. The Milk River is used for recreational activities like fishing, hunting, and camping, and supports agricultural practices in the surrounding areas. In recent years, drought and climate change have led to decreased water levels and concerns about the river's future sustainability.