YELLOWSTONE RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
December 22, 2024
45.00, -110.58


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

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

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
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
History of the River

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.

       

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