Flathead River at Columbia Falls MT
USGS 12363000 · Montana · reports discharge (live), gauge height, water temperature
Reading Flathead River at Columbia Falls MT…
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USGS 12363000 · Montana · reports discharge (live), gauge height, water temperature
What the agencies suggest
Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperatureNational Park Service
General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.
Reading Nov 5, 8:45 PM MST · provisional USGS data
Below normal for Nov 5 Steady · 24 h Below NWS action stage
Discharge, last 7 days: 169 readings from Oct 29, 9:45 PM MDT to Nov 5, 8:45 PM MST; ranging 3,540 to 3,780 ft³/s; latest 3,600 ft³/s; shaded band: typical range (25th–75th percentile) for each date.
USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS instantaneous values.
| Time | Discharge (ft³/s) | Gauge height (ft) | Water temp (°F) | Normal, 25th–75th (ft³/s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 5, 8:45 PM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 41.4 | 3,620–6,100 |
| Nov 5, 7:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.4 | 3,620–6,100 |
| Nov 5, 6:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.4 | 3,620–6,100 |
| Nov 5, 5:45 PM MST | 3,580 | 3.79 | 41.4 | 3,620–6,100 |
| Nov 5, 4:45 PM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 41.4 | 3,620–6,100 |
| Nov 5, 3:45 PM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 41.5 | 3,620–6,100 |
| Nov 5, 2:45 PM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 41.5 | 3,620–6,100 |
| Nov 5, 1:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.5 | 3,620–6,100 |
| Nov 5, 12:45 PM MST | 3,660 | 3.83 | 41.5 | 3,620–6,100 |
| Nov 5, 11:45 AM MST | 3,700 | 3.85 | 41.5 | 3,620–6,100 |
| Nov 5, 10:45 AM MST | 3,660 | 3.83 | 41.5 | 3,620–6,100 |
| Nov 5, 9:45 AM MST | 3,680 | 3.84 | 41.4 | 3,620–6,100 |
| Nov 5, 8:45 AM MST | 3,680 | 3.84 | 41.4 | 3,620–6,100 |
| Nov 5, 7:45 AM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 41.4 | 3,620–6,100 |
| Nov 5, 6:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 41.5 | 3,620–6,100 |
| Nov 5, 5:45 AM MST | 3,540 | 3.77 | 41.5 | 3,620–6,100 |
| Nov 5, 4:45 AM MST | 3,560 | 3.78 | 41.7 | 3,620–6,100 |
| Nov 5, 3:45 AM MST | 3,560 | 3.78 | 41.7 | 3,620–6,100 |
| Nov 5, 2:45 AM MST | 3,580 | 3.79 | 41.9 | 3,620–6,100 |
| Nov 5, 1:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 41.9 | 3,620–6,100 |
| Nov 5, 12:45 AM MST | 3,580 | 3.79 | 42.1 | 3,620–6,100 |
| Nov 4, 11:45 PM MST | 3,580 | 3.79 | 42.1 | 3,630–5,670 |
| Nov 4, 10:45 PM MST | 3,560 | 3.78 | 42.1 | 3,630–5,670 |
| Nov 4, 9:45 PM MST | 3,580 | 3.79 | 42.3 | 3,630–5,670 |
| Nov 4, 8:45 PM MST | 3,580 | 3.79 | 42.3 | 3,630–5,670 |
| Nov 4, 7:45 PM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.3 | 3,630–5,670 |
| Nov 4, 6:45 PM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 42.4 | 3,630–5,670 |
| Nov 4, 5:45 PM MST | 3,680 | 3.84 | 42.4 | 3,630–5,670 |
| Nov 4, 4:45 PM MST | 3,720 | 3.86 | 42.6 | 3,630–5,670 |
| Nov 4, 3:45 PM MST | 3,720 | 3.86 | 42.6 | 3,630–5,670 |
| Nov 4, 2:45 PM MST | 3,740 | 3.87 | 42.6 | 3,630–5,670 |
| Nov 4, 1:45 PM MST | 3,720 | 3.86 | 42.4 | 3,630–5,670 |
| Nov 4, 12:45 PM MST | 3,780 | 3.89 | 42.3 | 3,630–5,670 |
| Nov 4, 11:45 AM MST | 3,760 | 3.88 | 41.9 | 3,630–5,670 |
| Nov 4, 10:45 AM MST | 3,740 | 3.87 | 41.5 | 3,630–5,670 |
| Nov 4, 9:45 AM MST | 3,660 | 3.83 | 41.4 | 3,630–5,670 |
| Nov 4, 8:45 AM MST | 3,660 | 3.83 | 41.4 | 3,630–5,670 |
| Nov 4, 7:45 AM MST | 3,660 | 3.83 | 41.2 | 3,630–5,670 |
| Nov 4, 6:45 AM MST | 3,660 | 3.83 | 41.2 | 3,630–5,670 |
| Nov 4, 5:45 AM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 41.2 | 3,630–5,670 |
| Nov 4, 4:45 AM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 41.2 | 3,630–5,670 |
| Nov 4, 3:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 41.2 | 3,630–5,670 |
| Nov 4, 2:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.2 | 3,630–5,670 |
| Nov 4, 1:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.2 | 3,630–5,670 |
| Nov 4, 12:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.2 | 3,630–5,670 |
| Nov 3, 11:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.2 | 3,690–5,960 |
| Nov 3, 10:45 PM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 41.4 | 3,690–5,960 |
| Nov 3, 9:45 PM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 41.4 | 3,690–5,960 |
| Nov 3, 8:45 PM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 41.5 | 3,690–5,960 |
| Nov 3, 7:45 PM MST | 3,660 | 3.83 | 41.5 | 3,690–5,960 |
| Nov 3, 6:45 PM MST | 3,680 | 3.84 | 41.9 | 3,690–5,960 |
| Nov 3, 5:45 PM MST | 3,660 | 3.83 | 42.3 | 3,690–5,960 |
| Nov 3, 4:45 PM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.6 | 3,690–5,960 |
| Nov 3, 3:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.8 | 3,690–5,960 |
| Nov 3, 2:45 PM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.8 | 3,690–5,960 |
| Nov 3, 1:45 PM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.6 | 3,690–5,960 |
| Nov 3, 12:45 PM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.4 | 3,690–5,960 |
| Nov 3, 11:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 41.9 | 3,690–5,960 |
| Nov 3, 10:45 AM MST | 3,580 | 3.79 | 41.4 | 3,690–5,960 |
| Nov 3, 9:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41 | 3,690–5,960 |
| Nov 3, 8:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 40.8 | 3,690–5,960 |
| Nov 3, 7:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 40.8 | 3,690–5,960 |
| Nov 3, 6:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 40.6 | 3,690–5,960 |
| Nov 3, 5:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 40.8 | 3,690–5,960 |
| Nov 3, 4:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 41 | 3,690–5,960 |
| Nov 3, 3:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 41.2 | 3,690–5,960 |
| Nov 3, 2:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.2 | 3,690–5,960 |
| Nov 3, 1:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.4 | 3,690–5,960 |
| Nov 3, 12:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.4 | 3,690–5,960 |
| Nov 2, 11:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.7 | 3,660–5,620 |
| Nov 2, 10:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.9 | 3,660–5,620 |
| Nov 2, 9:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.1 | 3,660–5,620 |
| Nov 2, 8:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.3 | 3,660–5,620 |
| Nov 2, 7:45 PM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 42.4 | 3,660–5,620 |
| Nov 2, 6:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.6 | 3,660–5,620 |
| Nov 2, 5:45 PM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.8 | 3,660–5,620 |
| Nov 2, 4:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 43 | 3,660–5,620 |
| Nov 2, 3:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 43.2 | 3,660–5,620 |
| Nov 2, 2:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 43.3 | 3,660–5,620 |
| Nov 2, 1:45 PM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 43.3 | 3,660–5,620 |
| Nov 2, 12:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 43.2 | 3,660–5,620 |
| Nov 2, 11:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.8 | 3,660–5,620 |
| Nov 2, 10:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.6 | 3,660–5,620 |
| Nov 2, 9:45 AM MST | 3,660 | 3.83 | 42.3 | 3,660–5,620 |
| Nov 2, 8:45 AM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 42.3 | 3,660–5,620 |
| Nov 2, 7:45 AM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 42.3 | 3,660–5,620 |
| Nov 2, 6:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.3 | 3,660–5,620 |
| Nov 2, 5:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.3 | 3,660–5,620 |
| Nov 2, 4:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.3 | 3,660–5,620 |
| Nov 2, 3:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.3 | 3,660–5,620 |
| Nov 2, 2:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.3 | 3,660–5,620 |
| Nov 2, 1:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.1 | 3,660–5,620 |
| Nov 2, 12:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.1 | 3,660–5,620 |
| Nov 1, 11:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.1 | 3,640–5,510 |
| Nov 1, 10:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.1 | 3,640–5,510 |
| Nov 1, 9:45 PM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 42.1 | 3,640–5,510 |
| Nov 1, 8:45 PM MST | 3,660 | 3.83 | 42.1 | 3,640–5,510 |
| Nov 1, 7:45 PM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 42.1 | 3,640–5,510 |
| Nov 1, 6:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.1 | 3,640–5,510 |
| Nov 1, 5:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.1 | 3,640–5,510 |
| Nov 1, 4:45 PM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.1 | 3,640–5,510 |
| Nov 1, 3:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.3 | 3,640–5,510 |
| Nov 1, 2:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.3 | 3,640–5,510 |
| Nov 1, 1:45 PM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.1 | 3,640–5,510 |
| Nov 1, 12:45 PM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 41.9 | 3,640–5,510 |
| Nov 1, 11:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 41.7 | 3,640–5,510 |
| Nov 1, 10:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.7 | 3,640–5,510 |
| Nov 1, 9:45 AM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 41.7 | 3,640–5,510 |
| Nov 1, 8:45 AM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 41.5 | 3,640–5,510 |
| Nov 1, 7:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.5 | 3,640–5,510 |
| Nov 1, 6:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 41.7 | 3,640–5,510 |
| Nov 1, 5:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 41.7 | 3,640–5,510 |
| Nov 1, 4:45 AM MST | 3,600 | 3.8 | 41.7 | 3,640–5,510 |
| Nov 1, 3:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.9 | 3,640–5,510 |
| Nov 1, 2:45 AM MST | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.9 | 3,640–5,510 |
| Nov 1, 1:45 AM MST | 3,640 | 3.82 | 41.9 | 3,640–5,510 |
| Nov 1, 1:45 AM MDT | 3,640 | 3.82 | 42.1 | 3,640–5,510 |
| Nov 1, 12:45 AM MDT | 3,640 | 3.82 | 42.1 | 3,640–5,510 |
| Oct 31, 11:45 PM MDT | 3,640 | 3.82 | 42.3 | 3,640–6,470 |
| Oct 31, 10:45 PM MDT | 3,660 | 3.83 | 42.3 | 3,640–6,470 |
| Oct 31, 9:45 PM MDT | 3,640 | 3.82 | 42.4 | 3,640–6,470 |
| Oct 31, 8:45 PM MDT | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.4 | 3,640–6,470 |
| Oct 31, 7:45 PM MDT | 3,640 | 3.82 | 42.6 | 3,640–6,470 |
| Oct 31, 6:45 PM MDT | 3,660 | 3.83 | 42.6 | 3,640–6,470 |
| Oct 31, 5:45 PM MDT | 3,660 | 3.83 | 42.6 | 3,640–6,470 |
| Oct 31, 4:45 PM MDT | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.6 | 3,640–6,470 |
| Oct 31, 3:45 PM MDT | 3,580 | 3.79 | 42.6 | 3,640–6,470 |
| Oct 31, 2:45 PM MDT | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.6 | 3,640–6,470 |
| Oct 31, 1:45 PM MDT | 3,580 | 3.79 | 42.3 | 3,640–6,470 |
| Oct 31, 12:45 PM MDT | 3,580 | 3.79 | 42.1 | 3,640–6,470 |
| Oct 31, 11:45 AM MDT | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.9 | 3,640–6,470 |
| Oct 31, 10:45 AM MDT | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.7 | 3,640–6,470 |
| Oct 31, 9:45 AM MDT | 3,600 | 3.8 | 41.5 | 3,640–6,470 |
| Oct 31, 8:45 AM MDT | 3,580 | 3.79 | 41.5 | 3,640–6,470 |
| Oct 31, 7:45 AM MDT | 3,580 | 3.79 | 41.5 | 3,640–6,470 |
| Oct 31, 6:45 AM MDT | 3,560 | 3.78 | 41.7 | 3,640–6,470 |
| Oct 31, 5:45 AM MDT | 3,540 | 3.77 | 41.7 | 3,640–6,470 |
| Oct 31, 4:45 AM MDT | 3,560 | 3.78 | 41.9 | 3,640–6,470 |
| Oct 31, 3:45 AM MDT | 3,580 | 3.79 | 41.9 | 3,640–6,470 |
| Oct 31, 2:45 AM MDT | 3,560 | 3.78 | 42.1 | 3,640–6,470 |
| Oct 31, 1:45 AM MDT | 3,580 | 3.79 | 42.1 | 3,640–6,470 |
| Oct 31, 12:45 AM MDT | 3,580 | 3.79 | 42.3 | 3,640–6,470 |
| Oct 30, 11:45 PM MDT | 3,580 | 3.79 | 42.3 | 3,640–5,690 |
| Oct 30, 10:45 PM MDT | 3,580 | 3.79 | 42.4 | 3,640–5,690 |
| Oct 30, 9:45 PM MDT | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.4 | 3,640–5,690 |
| Oct 30, 8:45 PM MDT | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.6 | 3,640–5,690 |
| Oct 30, 7:45 PM MDT | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.8 | 3,640–5,690 |
| Oct 30, 6:45 PM MDT | 3,600 | 3.8 | 43 | 3,640–5,690 |
| Oct 30, 5:45 PM MDT | 3,600 | 3.8 | 43.3 | 3,640–5,690 |
| Oct 30, 4:45 PM MDT | 3,580 | 3.79 | 43.5 | 3,640–5,690 |
| Oct 30, 3:45 PM MDT | 3,580 | 3.79 | 43.7 | 3,640–5,690 |
| Oct 30, 2:45 PM MDT | 3,600 | 3.8 | 43.9 | 3,640–5,690 |
| Oct 30, 1:45 PM MDT | 3,600 | 3.8 | 43.9 | 3,640–5,690 |
| Oct 30, 12:45 PM MDT | 3,600 | 3.8 | 43.5 | 3,640–5,690 |
| Oct 30, 11:45 AM MDT | 3,600 | 3.8 | 42.6 | 3,640–5,690 |
| Oct 30, 10:45 AM MDT | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.1 | 3,640–5,690 |
| Oct 30, 9:45 AM MDT | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.9 | 3,640–5,690 |
| Oct 30, 8:45 AM MDT | 3,640 | 3.82 | 41.7 | 3,640–5,690 |
| Oct 30, 7:45 AM MDT | 3,640 | 3.82 | 41.9 | 3,640–5,690 |
| Oct 30, 6:45 AM MDT | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.9 | 3,640–5,690 |
| Oct 30, 5:45 AM MDT | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.9 | 3,640–5,690 |
| Oct 30, 4:45 AM MDT | 3,620 | 3.81 | 41.9 | 3,640–5,690 |
| Oct 30, 3:45 AM MDT | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.1 | 3,640–5,690 |
| Oct 30, 2:45 AM MDT | 3,640 | 3.82 | 42.1 | 3,640–5,690 |
| Oct 30, 1:45 AM MDT | 3,640 | 3.82 | 42.3 | 3,640–5,690 |
| Oct 30, 12:45 AM MDT | 3,620 | 3.81 | 42.3 | 3,640–5,690 |
| Oct 29, 11:45 PM MDT | 3,640 | 3.82 | 42.6 | 3,640–6,100 |
| Oct 29, 10:45 PM MDT | 3,660 | 3.83 | 42.8 | 3,640–6,100 |
| Oct 29, 9:45 PM MDT | 3,660 | 3.83 | 43 | 3,640–6,100 |
Water temperature, last 7 days: 169 readings from Oct 29, 9:45 PM MDT to Nov 5, 8:45 PM MST; ranging 40.6 to 43.9 °F; latest 41.4 °F.
USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS instantaneous values.
| Time | Water temperature (°F) |
|---|---|
| Nov 5, 8:45 PM MST | 41.4 |
| Nov 5, 7:45 PM MST | 41.4 |
| Nov 5, 6:45 PM MST | 41.4 |
| Nov 5, 5:45 PM MST | 41.4 |
| Nov 5, 4:45 PM MST | 41.4 |
| Nov 5, 3:45 PM MST | 41.5 |
| Nov 5, 2:45 PM MST | 41.5 |
| Nov 5, 1:45 PM MST | 41.5 |
| Nov 5, 12:45 PM MST | 41.5 |
| Nov 5, 11:45 AM MST | 41.5 |
| Nov 5, 10:45 AM MST | 41.5 |
| Nov 5, 9:45 AM MST | 41.4 |
| Nov 5, 8:45 AM MST | 41.4 |
| Nov 5, 7:45 AM MST | 41.4 |
| Nov 5, 6:45 AM MST | 41.5 |
| Nov 5, 5:45 AM MST | 41.5 |
| Nov 5, 4:45 AM MST | 41.7 |
| Nov 5, 3:45 AM MST | 41.7 |
| Nov 5, 2:45 AM MST | 41.9 |
| Nov 5, 1:45 AM MST | 41.9 |
| Nov 5, 12:45 AM MST | 42.1 |
| Nov 4, 11:45 PM MST | 42.1 |
| Nov 4, 10:45 PM MST | 42.1 |
| Nov 4, 9:45 PM MST | 42.3 |
| Nov 4, 8:45 PM MST | 42.3 |
| Nov 4, 7:45 PM MST | 42.3 |
| Nov 4, 6:45 PM MST | 42.4 |
| Nov 4, 5:45 PM MST | 42.4 |
| Nov 4, 4:45 PM MST | 42.6 |
| Nov 4, 3:45 PM MST | 42.6 |
| Nov 4, 2:45 PM MST | 42.6 |
| Nov 4, 1:45 PM MST | 42.4 |
| Nov 4, 12:45 PM MST | 42.3 |
| Nov 4, 11:45 AM MST | 41.9 |
| Nov 4, 10:45 AM MST | 41.5 |
| Nov 4, 9:45 AM MST | 41.4 |
| Nov 4, 8:45 AM MST | 41.4 |
| Nov 4, 7:45 AM MST | 41.2 |
| Nov 4, 6:45 AM MST | 41.2 |
| Nov 4, 5:45 AM MST | 41.2 |
| Nov 4, 4:45 AM MST | 41.2 |
| Nov 4, 3:45 AM MST | 41.2 |
| Nov 4, 2:45 AM MST | 41.2 |
| Nov 4, 1:45 AM MST | 41.2 |
| Nov 4, 12:45 AM MST | 41.2 |
| Nov 3, 11:45 PM MST | 41.2 |
| Nov 3, 10:45 PM MST | 41.4 |
| Nov 3, 9:45 PM MST | 41.4 |
| Nov 3, 8:45 PM MST | 41.5 |
| Nov 3, 7:45 PM MST | 41.5 |
| Nov 3, 6:45 PM MST | 41.9 |
| Nov 3, 5:45 PM MST | 42.3 |
| Nov 3, 4:45 PM MST | 42.6 |
| Nov 3, 3:45 PM MST | 42.8 |
| Nov 3, 2:45 PM MST | 42.8 |
| Nov 3, 1:45 PM MST | 42.6 |
| Nov 3, 12:45 PM MST | 42.4 |
| Nov 3, 11:45 AM MST | 41.9 |
| Nov 3, 10:45 AM MST | 41.4 |
| Nov 3, 9:45 AM MST | 41 |
| Nov 3, 8:45 AM MST | 40.8 |
| Nov 3, 7:45 AM MST | 40.8 |
| Nov 3, 6:45 AM MST | 40.6 |
| Nov 3, 5:45 AM MST | 40.8 |
| Nov 3, 4:45 AM MST | 41 |
| Nov 3, 3:45 AM MST | 41.2 |
| Nov 3, 2:45 AM MST | 41.2 |
| Nov 3, 1:45 AM MST | 41.4 |
| Nov 3, 12:45 AM MST | 41.4 |
| Nov 2, 11:45 PM MST | 41.7 |
| Nov 2, 10:45 PM MST | 41.9 |
| Nov 2, 9:45 PM MST | 42.1 |
| Nov 2, 8:45 PM MST | 42.3 |
| Nov 2, 7:45 PM MST | 42.4 |
| Nov 2, 6:45 PM MST | 42.6 |
| Nov 2, 5:45 PM MST | 42.8 |
| Nov 2, 4:45 PM MST | 43 |
| Nov 2, 3:45 PM MST | 43.2 |
| Nov 2, 2:45 PM MST | 43.3 |
| Nov 2, 1:45 PM MST | 43.3 |
| Nov 2, 12:45 PM MST | 43.2 |
| Nov 2, 11:45 AM MST | 42.8 |
| Nov 2, 10:45 AM MST | 42.6 |
| Nov 2, 9:45 AM MST | 42.3 |
| Nov 2, 8:45 AM MST | 42.3 |
| Nov 2, 7:45 AM MST | 42.3 |
| Nov 2, 6:45 AM MST | 42.3 |
| Nov 2, 5:45 AM MST | 42.3 |
| Nov 2, 4:45 AM MST | 42.3 |
| Nov 2, 3:45 AM MST | 42.3 |
| Nov 2, 2:45 AM MST | 42.3 |
| Nov 2, 1:45 AM MST | 42.1 |
| Nov 2, 12:45 AM MST | 42.1 |
| Nov 1, 11:45 PM MST | 42.1 |
| Nov 1, 10:45 PM MST | 42.1 |
| Nov 1, 9:45 PM MST | 42.1 |
| Nov 1, 8:45 PM MST | 42.1 |
| Nov 1, 7:45 PM MST | 42.1 |
| Nov 1, 6:45 PM MST | 42.1 |
| Nov 1, 5:45 PM MST | 42.1 |
| Nov 1, 4:45 PM MST | 42.1 |
| Nov 1, 3:45 PM MST | 42.3 |
| Nov 1, 2:45 PM MST | 42.3 |
| Nov 1, 1:45 PM MST | 42.1 |
| Nov 1, 12:45 PM MST | 41.9 |
| Nov 1, 11:45 AM MST | 41.7 |
| Nov 1, 10:45 AM MST | 41.7 |
| Nov 1, 9:45 AM MST | 41.7 |
| Nov 1, 8:45 AM MST | 41.5 |
| Nov 1, 7:45 AM MST | 41.5 |
| Nov 1, 6:45 AM MST | 41.7 |
| Nov 1, 5:45 AM MST | 41.7 |
| Nov 1, 4:45 AM MST | 41.7 |
| Nov 1, 3:45 AM MST | 41.9 |
| Nov 1, 2:45 AM MST | 41.9 |
| Nov 1, 1:45 AM MST | 41.9 |
| Nov 1, 1:45 AM MDT | 42.1 |
| Nov 1, 12:45 AM MDT | 42.1 |
| Oct 31, 11:45 PM MDT | 42.3 |
| Oct 31, 10:45 PM MDT | 42.3 |
| Oct 31, 9:45 PM MDT | 42.4 |
| Oct 31, 8:45 PM MDT | 42.4 |
| Oct 31, 7:45 PM MDT | 42.6 |
| Oct 31, 6:45 PM MDT | 42.6 |
| Oct 31, 5:45 PM MDT | 42.6 |
| Oct 31, 4:45 PM MDT | 42.6 |
| Oct 31, 3:45 PM MDT | 42.6 |
| Oct 31, 2:45 PM MDT | 42.6 |
| Oct 31, 1:45 PM MDT | 42.3 |
| Oct 31, 12:45 PM MDT | 42.1 |
| Oct 31, 11:45 AM MDT | 41.9 |
| Oct 31, 10:45 AM MDT | 41.7 |
| Oct 31, 9:45 AM MDT | 41.5 |
| Oct 31, 8:45 AM MDT | 41.5 |
| Oct 31, 7:45 AM MDT | 41.5 |
| Oct 31, 6:45 AM MDT | 41.7 |
| Oct 31, 5:45 AM MDT | 41.7 |
| Oct 31, 4:45 AM MDT | 41.9 |
| Oct 31, 3:45 AM MDT | 41.9 |
| Oct 31, 2:45 AM MDT | 42.1 |
| Oct 31, 1:45 AM MDT | 42.1 |
| Oct 31, 12:45 AM MDT | 42.3 |
| Oct 30, 11:45 PM MDT | 42.3 |
| Oct 30, 10:45 PM MDT | 42.4 |
| Oct 30, 9:45 PM MDT | 42.4 |
| Oct 30, 8:45 PM MDT | 42.6 |
| Oct 30, 7:45 PM MDT | 42.8 |
| Oct 30, 6:45 PM MDT | 43 |
| Oct 30, 5:45 PM MDT | 43.3 |
| Oct 30, 4:45 PM MDT | 43.5 |
| Oct 30, 3:45 PM MDT | 43.7 |
| Oct 30, 2:45 PM MDT | 43.9 |
| Oct 30, 1:45 PM MDT | 43.9 |
| Oct 30, 12:45 PM MDT | 43.5 |
| Oct 30, 11:45 AM MDT | 42.6 |
| Oct 30, 10:45 AM MDT | 42.1 |
| Oct 30, 9:45 AM MDT | 41.9 |
| Oct 30, 8:45 AM MDT | 41.7 |
| Oct 30, 7:45 AM MDT | 41.9 |
| Oct 30, 6:45 AM MDT | 41.9 |
| Oct 30, 5:45 AM MDT | 41.9 |
| Oct 30, 4:45 AM MDT | 41.9 |
| Oct 30, 3:45 AM MDT | 42.1 |
| Oct 30, 2:45 AM MDT | 42.1 |
| Oct 30, 1:45 AM MDT | 42.3 |
| Oct 30, 12:45 AM MDT | 42.3 |
| Oct 29, 11:45 PM MDT | 42.6 |
| Oct 29, 10:45 PM MDT | 42.8 |
| Oct 29, 9:45 PM MDT | 43 |
Map of USGS gauge 12363000 and the river around it
Where Flathead River at Columbia Falls MT sits, with 1 other gauge on the same river and our water's map point.
Under Montana FWP's 68°F line. Water 41.4°F now; the highest in the last 24 hours was 42.3°F. Montana FWP cites a study in which trout “caught and released from water with a temperature above 68 degrees F were far more likely to perish than those taken from cooler water.” Water warms through the day: “Fish in the cool morning hours.”
Normal for Nov 5: 3,620–6,100 ft³/s (middle half of 74 years of record). Now: 3,600 ft³/s, below normal.
Below normal for this date. 3,600 ft³/s is between the 10th and 25th percentiles of daily mean flow for Nov 5 at this gauge over 74 years of record (1952–2026): 10th 2,530, 25th 3,620, median 4,100, 75th 6,100, 90th 10,800 ft³/s.
Daily means on record for Nov 5: lowest 1,430 ft³/s, highest 15,200 ft³/s.
Classes as USGS labels them (hyswap: flow categories (WDFN_stats schema) (U.S. Geological Survey) ); percentiles from the USGS daily statistics (U.S. Geological Survey) (approved daily means; the reading is provisional and instantaneous).
Steady over 24 hours (+0.6% discharge). Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.
This gauge is on our page for Flathead River, but no agency page we read lists its species.
Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
Flood categories: action stage, minor, moderate and major flooding (National Weather Service)Cold water. Water 41.4°F. NWS: “Cold shock can be just as severe and dangerous from water temperatures of 50-60°F (10-15°C) as it is from water at 35°F (2°C).” “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.”
Cold Water Hazards and Safety (National Weather Service)Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.
Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.
Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
NWS observed 3.81 ft stage, 3,620 ft³/s at Nov 5, 7:45 PM MST (NWS gauge CFMM8; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).
NWS river forecast forecast issued Nov 5, 8:42 AM MST. Highest point: 3.83 ft, 3,660 ft³/s on Nov 15, 5:00 AM MST (Below NWS action stage).
| Day | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Thu, Nov 5 | 3.78 ft | 3,560 ft³/s |
| Fri, Nov 6 | 3.79 ft | 3,580 ft³/s |
| Sat, Nov 7 | 3.8 ft | 3,600 ft³/s |
| Sun, Nov 8 | 3.8 ft | 3,600 ft³/s |
| Mon, Nov 9 | 3.79 ft | 3,580 ft³/s |
| Tue, Nov 10 | 3.78 ft | 3,560 ft³/s |
| Wed, Nov 11 | 3.77 ft | 3,540 ft³/s |
| Thu, Nov 12 | 3.78 ft | 3,560 ft³/s |
| Fri, Nov 13 | 3.81 ft | 3,620 ft³/s |
| Sat, Nov 14 | 3.82 ft | 3,640 ft³/s |
Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)
Checked Nov 5, 9:17 PM MST; readings refresh at most every 15 minutes and statistics daily. Provisional USGS data can be revised. Conditions change: re-check before you go. This is general guidance, not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access.