Water Resources of Montana
Welcome to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Web site
for the water resources of Montana. Here you'll find information on
Montana lakes, rivers, and streams. The USGS operates the most
extensive satellite network of stream-gaging stations in the State,
many of which form the backbone of flood-warning systems.
The USGS provides current ("real-time")
stream stage and streamflow,
water-quality,
and ground-water
levels for over 200 sites in Montana.
USGS Montana Highlights
Beginning with water year 2006, the annual water data product took on a new format different from the previous report series. The basic product is a Site Data Sheet that serves to publish all data collected during the water year at any given site in the United States. The 2006 and 2007 USGS Water Data Reports are available online and improve on the previous online reports with a new interactive feature designed to make site data retrieval easier and more convenient. Access the Water Data Report here
() or use the map
() interface.
Featured Project
Clark Fork Water-Quality Monitoring
Scenic view of the Clark Fork near Drummond.
In 1993, a long-term monitoring program was implemented in cooperation with the USEPA at an expanded network of sites in the upper Clark Fork basin. In 2006, supplemental sampling was initiated in cooperation with the USEPA at sites in the lower Clark Fork basin from near Milltown Reservoir to the Flathead River to obtain additional water-quality information related to the removal of Milltown Dam.
Find out more
Monthly Conditions Report
DECEMBER STREAMFLOWS VARY
RESERVOIR STORAGE MOSTLY NORMAL
At eight long-term U.S. Geological Survey gaging stations, the monthly mean streamflows for the month of December were normal at four and below normal at four. The monthly mean streamflows were normal at the Blackfoot River near Bonner, Clark Fork at St. Regis, Yellowstone River at Corwin Springs, and Yellowstone River at Billings. Monthly mean streamflows were below normal at the Yaak River near Troy, Middle Fork Flathead River near West Glacier, Marias River near Shelby, and Rock Creek below Horse Creek, near the international boundary.
Water storage was in the normal range at five out of six major hydroelectric reservoirs in Montana: Canyon Ferry Lake, Bighorn Lake, Lake Koocanusa, Hungry Horse Reservoir, and Flathead Lake. Storage remained below normal in Fort Peck Lake.
For the month of December, water storage at four major irrigation reservoirs remained normal at three and below normal at one. Storage at Lima, Gibson, and Fresno Reservoirs was normal; Clark Canyon Reservoir was below normal.
Supporting data are
available online
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