Gauge Information

Gauge Description:

The online USGS gauge measures inflow to the project. Of this flow approximately 600 cfs is diverted for power generation. Boating opportunities are available in the spring when you can estimate flow left in the river channel by subtracting the 600 cfs diverted for generation from the inflow to the project. Optimal boating opportunities are available when calculated flow in the river channel is 800 cfs or above.

As flows drop in summer, scheduled opportunities are provided. During the month of July and August the generators are turned off on Wednesday evenings to restore the full project flow into the river channel. These releases take place from 5 pm - 9 pm and are contingent on project inflows equal to or greater than 800 cfs at 8 am the day of the release. In most years this provides boatable flows on Wednesday evenings through the month of July but by August inflow typically drops below 800 cfs and the releases are no longer provided.

A staff gauge is located at the putin, at the bottom of the fish ladder on river right. Approximate gauge correlation to cfs: 2.0' = 800 cfs. 2.5' = 1000 cfs. 3.0' = 1500 cfs. 3.5' = 2000 cfs. 4.0' = 2500 cfs.

Gauge Information

Name Range Difficulty Updated Level
Swan River near Bigfork, MT
usgs-12370000 800 - 4000 cfs III-IV 04h43m 409 cfs (rc= -0.1 )

RangeWater LevelDifficultyComment
800 -4000 cfs barely runnable-high runnable III-IV

Report - Reports of Swan Bigfork Dam to Flathead R. and related gauges

Reports give the public a chance to report on river conditions throughout the country as well as log the history of a river.

Reports

When River/Gauge Subject Level Reporter
Swan [MT] Bigfork Whitewater Festival n/a Matt Muir
184d01h58m Bigfork Festival [MT] Big Fork Slalom Race n/a Kevin Colburn
3y135d02h28m Swan [MT] Wild Mile dishing it out 3ft? Kevin Colburn