RUBY RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
December 21, 2024
45.22, -112.13


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Ruby River was last observed at 119 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 236 acre-ft of water today; about 111% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 107 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2011-07-01 when daily discharge volume was observed at 3,719 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Ruby River Near Twin Bridges Mt reporting a streamflow rate of 188 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Ruby River Ab Reservoir Nr Alder Mt with a gauge stage of 3.03 ft. This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Ruby River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 5,410 ft, the Ruby River Ab Reservoir Nr Alder Mt.

The Ruby River is a tributary of the Jefferson River, which eventually flows into the Missouri River. It is around 76 miles long and is located in southwestern Montana. The river was named after the garnets found in the area, which are a deep red color, like the precious stone. The river has a substantial flow and is used for irrigation of crops and pastures, as well as for recreational activities such as fishing, rafting, and kayaking. There are several reservoirs and dams along the river, including Ruby Reservoir, which was built in the 1930s to provide irrigation water for local farmers. The river has a rich history, as it was once home to Native American tribes and was an important site for fur trading in the 1800s.

Last Updated 2024-12-21
Discharge Volume 236 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 119.0 cfs
-5.0 cfs (-4.03%)
Percent of Normal 111.48%
Maximum 3,719.0 cfs
2011-07-01
Seasonal Avg 107 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Ruby River Ab Reservoir Nr Alder Mt
USGS 06019500
119 cfs 3.03 ft -4.03
Ruby River Bl Reservoir Nr Alder Mt
USGS 06020600
48 cfs 2.34 ft 2.54
Ruby River Near Twin Bridges Mt
USGS 06023000
188 cfs 2.91 ft -4.08
History of the River

The Ruby River is a tributary of the Beaverhead River, approximately 76 mi (122 km) long, in southwestern Montana in the United States. It rises in the Beaverhead National Forest in southwestern Madison County between the Snowcrest Range and the Gravelly Range. It flows north through the Ruby River Reservoir, past Alder, then northwest, flowing between the Tobacco Root Mountains to the northeast and the Ruby Range to the southwest. It joins the Beaverhead near Twin Bridges. The Beaverhead becomes the Jefferson River 2 mi (3.2 km) downstream where it joins the Big Hole River.
The river has also been known by these various names: Pah-mamar-roi, Pak-sam-ma-oi, Pashmaroi, Passamari, Philanthropy River, Stinking Water Creek, Stinking Water River, Stinkingwater River.The Ruby is a Class II river for stream access for recreational purposes.

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