Tongue River River Levels

Total streamflow across the Tongue River was last observed at 213 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 422 acre-ft of water today; about 15% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,384 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2019-05-31 when daily discharge volume was observed at 24,742 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Tongue River At Monarch reporting a streamflow rate of 383 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Tongue River At Tongue R Dam Nr Decker Mt with a gauge stage of 10.34 ft. This river is monitored from 8 different streamgauging stations along the Tongue River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 4,072 ft, the Tongue River Near Dayton.

It has played a significant role in Native American history and served as a transportation route for early settlers. The river's watershed encompasses over 10,000 square miles and is known for its diverse wildlife and scenic beauty. The Tongue River is fed by numerous tributaries, including Otter Creek and the Powder River. The river is home to various reservoirs, including the Tongue River Reservoir and the Keyhole Reservoir, which are used for recreation and irrigation. The Tongue River Basin is also an important agricultural region, producing crops like wheat, barley, and hay. The river has faced challenges in recent years due to water contamination and disputes over water use, but stakeholders continue to work towards finding sustainable solutions.