USGS Streamflow and Stage for the Missouri River

The Missouri River, looking southeast from Double Ditch Indian Village Missouri River flows in North Dakota are controlled mainly by Garrison Dam and, to a lesser extent, by Fort Peck Dam in Montana and Oahe Dam in South Dakota. Because the Missouri River is large and the flows are regulated, most of the river is caneoeable all season long. However, it is important to avoid dangerous conditions when ice is moving out in the spring.

Data Interpretation

Because the Missouri River is open to recreationists throughout the summer, there are no streamflow or stage canoeing recommendations. However, the U.S. Geological Survey does monitor streamflow and stage for the Missouri River and the information is available to recreationists who may want to track the data.

Gaging Station

Williston (5 miles southwest of Williston, 29.3 miles downstream from the Yellowstone River, and at river mile 1,552.7)

Bismarck (on left bank, 2,100 feet downstream from Burlington Northern Railway bridge, 3.5 miles upstream from Heart River, and at river mile 1,314.5)

Schmidt (on right bank, 2 miles southeast of abandoned townsite of Schmidt, 13 miles southeast of Mandan, and at river mile 1,298)

Other Gaging Stations - Although the U.S. Geological Survey maintains other gaging stations on the Missouri River, the gages listed above are representative of streamflow and stage conditions for the river. The Williston gage was chosen because, depending on the level of Lake Sakakawea, it may be representative of the free-flowing reach between Fort Peck Dam and Lake Sakakawea. The Bismarck gage is representative of the reach between Garrison Dam and Lake Oahe. The Schmidt gage is at the north end of Lake Oahe where the current slows and the river widens.

As river conditions change due to natural events or human activities, the streamflow-stage relation may change. As streamflow and stage decrease, the river becomes slower and shallower. As streamflow and stage increase, the river becomes faster and deeper. Canoeing should not be attempted when the river is flooding. Observation of the river and its streamflow or stage over time will help you determine the optimal river level for your enjoyment.

How to Obtain Current Streamflow and Stage Data

Pick the gage/city closest to your desired canoeing route on the Missouri River. Click on the link for that gage in the chart above; click on the button with the city name on the left side of this screen; or click on the gage, indicated by a red triangle, on the map below. You will be presented with a web page showing the current streamflow and/or a chart showing the current stage. To view streamflow for the last 18 months click on the button on the left side of the screen that says 18-Month Graph. Data for the past 18 months are helpful in determining the best time of the year to canoe a river.

Map of selected gaging stations on the Missouri River in North Dakota

Missouri River Canoeing Recommendations Based on Streamflow and Stage

Data Interpretation

How to Obtain Current Streamflow and Stage Data