Station Name: Yellowstone River at Billings MT
Data Source: Water Data - usgc.gov

Elevation Above Sea Level: 3,091 feet

Nearest Address:
158–298 Cerise Rd
Billings, MT 59101
Yellowstone County

GPS Coordinates: 45.8001194, -108.4680306

Nearby Water Temperatures

Hydrologic Outlook issued May 13 at 9:34AM MDT by NWS Billings MT

Effective: Wed May 13, 2026, 9:34 AM
Expires: Thu May 14, 2026, 3:00 PM

ESFBYZ Recent very warm temperatures has enhanced snowmelt in the mountains this week, resulting in significantly higher flows on area waterways. Flooding is not expected at this time due to marginal remaining snowpack in the middle elevations between 6000 and 8000 feet. Rivers that have seen increased flows include the Yellowstone, Shields, Boulder, Stillwater, and Clarks Fork. Some smaller streams flowing out of the mountains have also experienced rises. Looking ahead, cooler temperatures are in store for the end of the week. In fact, a seasonably cold weather system may bring freezing temperatures at high elevations and potential snowfall this weekend into early next week. The colder weather will slow or briefly halt the high elevation snow melt. Those with interests along foothills waterways should be prepared for higher water levels, and move property and livestock away from rivers, streams, and low lying areas. Runoff may fill culverts, ditches, and storm drains causing water to flow over foothills roadways potentially causing damage. Do not drive over flooded roadways, Turn Around Don't Drown. Recreationists in the mountains and foothills should be prepared for changing conditions and use extra caution when near waterways. Flows will be faster, and the water is very cold. Stay tuned to the forecast. Please report any flooding to local law enforcement and have them relay the report to the National Weather Service.

High Wind Warning issued May 13 at 8:52AM MDT until May 14 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Billings MT

Effective: Wed May 13, 2026, 8:52 AM
Expires: Thu May 14, 2026, 9:00 AM

* WHAT...West winds gusting up to 60 mph expected. Strongest winds tonight through Thursday morning. * WHERE...Golden Valley, Musselshell, Northern Stillwater, and Southwestern Yellowstone. * WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to 9 PM MDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Strong winds may blow down some trees and power lines. Local power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult for high profile vehicles. Warm and dry conditions with strong winds could cause rapid fire spread. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds this evening will be erratic due to isolated thunderstorm activity.

People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Avoid any burning activities.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued May 13 at 3:55PM MDT until May 13 at 11:00PM MDT by NWS Billings MT

Effective: Wed May 13, 2026, 3:55 PM
Expires: Wed May 13, 2026, 11:00 PM

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 201 IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN MONTANA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 6 COUNTIES IN CENTRAL MONTANA MUSSELSHELL IN SOUTH CENTRAL MONTANA BIG HORN CARBON YELLOWSTONE IN SOUTHEAST MONTANA ROSEBUD TREASURE THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ASHLAND, BILLINGS, BRIDGER, COLSTRIP, CROW AGENCY, FORSYTH, HARDIN, HYSHAM, JOLIET, LAME DEER, RED LODGE, AND ROUNDUP.

High Wind Warning issued May 13 at 3:04PM MDT until May 14 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Billings MT

Effective: Wed May 13, 2026, 3:04 PM
Expires: Thu May 14, 2026, 3:15 PM

* WHAT...West winds gusting up to 60 mph expected. Strongest winds tonight through Thursday morning. * WHERE...Golden Valley, Musselshell, Northern Stillwater, and Southwestern Yellowstone. * WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to 9 PM MDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Strong winds may blow down some trees and power lines. Local power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult for high profile vehicles. Warm and dry conditions with strong winds could cause rapid fire spread. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds this evening will be erratic due to isolated thunderstorm activity.

People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Avoid any burning activities.

High Wind Warning issued May 13 at 9:52PM MDT until May 14 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Billings MT

Effective: Wed May 13, 2026, 9:52 PM
Expires: Thu May 14, 2026, 9:00 PM

* WHAT...West winds gusting up to 60 mph expected. Strongest winds tonight through Thursday morning. * WHERE...Golden Valley, Musselshell, Northern Stillwater, and Southwestern Yellowstone. * WHEN...Until 9 PM MDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Strong winds may blow down some trees and power lines. Local power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult for high profile vehicles. Warm and dry conditions with strong winds could cause rapid fire spread.

People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Avoid any burning activities.