Yellowstone River

Last Updated: May 3, 2026

Total streamflow across the Yellowstone River was last observed at 38,992 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 77,340 acre-ft of water today; about 58% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 67,780 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2011-05-25 when daily discharge volume was observed at 448,060 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Yellowstone River At Glendive Mt reporting a streamflow rate of 7,290 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Yellowstone River, with a gauge stage of 43.41 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 9 different streamgauging stations along the Yellowstone River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 7,731 ft, the Yellowstone River At Yellowstone Lk Outlet Ynp.

The Yellowstone River is a major tributary of the Missouri River, spanning 692 miles from its source in Wyoming to its mouth in North Dakota.


15-Day Long Term Forecast


River Details

Last Updated 2026-05-03
Discharge Volume 77,340 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 38,992.0 cfs
Past 24 Hours: -740.0 cfs (-1.86%)
Percent of Normal 57.53%
Maximum 448,060.0 cfs
2011-05-25
Seasonal Avg 67,780 cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Yellowstone River At Yellowstone Lk Outlet Ynp
USGS 06186500
952 cfs 3.21 ft 0
Yellowstone River Near Altonah
USGS 09292500
105 cfs 1.16 ft 1.94
Yellowstone River At Corwin Springs Mt
USGS 06191500
2700 cfs 2.53 ft 7.57
Yellowstone River Near Livingston Mt
USGS 06192500
2920 cfs 1.74 ft 6.18
Yellowstone River At Billings Mt
USGS 06214500
4430 cfs 3.3 ft -6.14
Yellowstone River At Forsyth Mt
USGS 06295000
6870 cfs 2.17 ft -3.92
Yellowstone River At Miles City Mt
USGS 06309000
7110 cfs 3.5 ft -2.47
Yellowstone River At Glendive Mt
USGS 06327500
7290 cfs 43.41 ft -2.93
Yellowstone River Near Sidney Mt
USGS 06329500
6720 cfs 3.32 ft -1.9
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

The Yellowstone River is a tributary of the Missouri River, approximately 692 miles (1,114 km) long, in the western United States. Considered the principal tributary of the upper Missouri, the river and its tributaries drain a wide area stretching from the Rocky Mountains in the vicinity of Yellowstone National Park across the mountains and high plains of southern Montana and northern Wyoming.