Total streamflow across the
Yellowstone River
was last observed at
11,969
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
23,740
acre-ft of water today; about 89%
of normal.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
13,392 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 6,790 cfs.
This is also the highest stage along the Yellowstone River, with a gauge stage of
46.62 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. The river played a significant role in the history of the American West, including the Lewis and Clark expedition. It also served as a major transportation route for fur traders and settlers. The river is fed by snowmelt and precipitation, with the highest flows occurring in the spring and early summer. The river has several reservoirs, including the Buffalo Bill, Yellowtail, and Fort Peck dams. These provide hydroelectric power, irrigation, and flood control. Recreational activities, such as fishing, boating, and camping, are popular along the river. The river also supports agricultural activities, including cattle grazing and crop irrigation.
Last Updated | 2024-12-22 |
Discharge Volume | 23,740 ACRE-FT |
Streamflow |
11,969.0 cfs
-56.0 cfs (-0.47%) |
Percent of Normal | 89.37% |
Maximum |
448,060.0 cfs
2011-05-25 |
Seasonal Avg | 13,392 cfs |
Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yellowstone River At Yellowstone Lk Outlet Ynp
USGS 06186500 |
307 cfs | 2.13 ft | 0.99 | |||||
Yellowstone River Near Altonah
USGS 09292500 |
51 cfs | 0.82 ft | -13.95 | |||||
Yellowstone River At Corwin Springs Mt
USGS 06191500 |
719 cfs | 0.76 ft | 1.99 | |||||
Yellowstone River Near Livingston Mt
USGS 06192500 |
1320 cfs | 0.08 ft | 2.33 | |||||
Yellowstone River At Billings Mt
USGS 06214500 |
3000 cfs | 2.46 ft | -0.33 | |||||
Yellowstone River At Forsyth Mt
USGS 06295000 |
5010 cfs | 1.81 ft | -1.38 | |||||
Yellowstone River At Miles City Mt
USGS 06309000 |
4920 cfs | 2.98 ft | -0.61 | |||||
Yellowstone River At Glendive Mt
USGS 06327500 |
6790 cfs | 46.62 ft | 13.17 | |||||
Yellowstone River Near Sidney Mt
USGS 06329500 |
6420 cfs | 4.13 ft | -1.83 |
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.