Station Name: S F Flathead River nr Columbia Falls MT
Data Source: Water Data - usgc.gov

Elevation Above Sea Level: 3,091 feet

Nearest Address:
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
Flathead County

GPS Coordinates: 48.35657778, -114.0378583

Nearby Water Temperatures

Winter Storm Watch issued March 9 at 12:35PM MDT until March 14 at 12:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

Effective: Mon March 9, 2026, 12:35 PM
Expires: Tue March 10, 2026, 3:00 PM

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow possible. There is a chance of major winter weather impacts. Total snow accumulations between 3 to 8 inches in valleys, with 1 to 3 feet of snow in the mountains and backcountry elevations. Wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph in the lower elevations, with gusts of 60 to 80 mph in the backcountry. * WHERE...Essex, Bad Rock Canyon, Glacier National Park, Highway 83 Bigfork to Swan Lake, Marias Pass, and Polebridge. * WHEN...From Wednesday evening through Saturday morning. * IMPACTS...Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages. Whiteout conditions are possible and may make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening on US Highway 2 near Marias Pass. For MAJOR winter weather impacts, expect considerable disruptions to normal activities. Dangerous or impossible traveling conditions. Avoid travel in the impacted areas if possible. Widespread closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Blizzard like conditions are a concern for US Highway 2 east of Essex to Marias Pass Wednesday night through Thursday morning from heavy snow rates and strong wind gusts in excess of 40 mph. Snow levels will be rising Wednesday into early Thursday morning, reaching as high as 4,000 to 4,500 feet.

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. Persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded. Do not touch downed lines and report any power outages to your electric company. Travel is highly discouraged due to slick roadways and the possibility of downed trees and power lines.

High Wind Watch issued March 9 at 11:56PM MDT until March 12 at 12:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

Effective: Mon March 9, 2026, 11:56 PM
Expires: Wed March 11, 2026, 12:00 AM

* WHAT...Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 55 to 65 mph possible. * WHERE...Kootenai/Cabinet Region. * WHEN...From Wednesday evening through Thursday morning. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates. Fasten loose objects or shelter objects in a safe location prior to the onset of winds.

Winter Weather Advisory issued March 10 at 11:57AM MDT until March 11 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

Effective: Tue March 10, 2026, 11:57 AM
Expires: Wed March 11, 2026, 12:00 PM

* WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, snow expected. There is a likelihood of minor to moderate winter weather impacts. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 7 inches of additional snow. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow expected. There is a likelihood of extreme winter storm impacts. Total snow accumulations between 3 and 7 inches in the lower elevations and 20 to 40 inches in the higher elevations including Marias Pass. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph. * WHERE...Bad Rock Canyon, Polebridge, Marias Pass, Glacier National Park, Essex, and Highway 83 Bigfork to Swan Lake. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 6 PM MDT Wednesday. For the Winter Storm Warning, from 6 PM Wednesday to noon MDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...For MAJOR winter weather impacts, expect considerable disruptions to normal activities. Dangerous or impossible traveling conditions. Avoid travel in the impacted areas if possible. Widespread closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. For EXTREME winter storm impacts, expect substantial disruptions to normal activities. Extremely dangerous or impossible traveling conditions. Travel in the impacted areas is not advised. Extensive and widespread closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. Life saving actions may be needed. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes, especially over higher passes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Winter Storm Warning issued March 10 at 11:57AM MDT until March 14 at 12:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

Effective: Tue March 10, 2026, 11:57 AM
Expires: Wed March 11, 2026, 12:00 PM

* WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, snow expected. There is a likelihood of minor to moderate winter weather impacts. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 7 inches of additional snow. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow expected. There is a likelihood of extreme winter storm impacts. Total snow accumulations between 3 and 7 inches in the lower elevations and 20 to 40 inches in the higher elevations including Marias Pass. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph. * WHERE...Bad Rock Canyon, Polebridge, Marias Pass, Glacier National Park, Essex, and Highway 83 Bigfork to Swan Lake. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 6 PM MDT Wednesday. For the Winter Storm Warning, from 6 PM Wednesday to noon MDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...For MAJOR winter weather impacts, expect considerable disruptions to normal activities. Dangerous or impossible traveling conditions. Avoid travel in the impacted areas if possible. Widespread closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. For EXTREME winter storm impacts, expect substantial disruptions to normal activities. Extremely dangerous or impossible traveling conditions. Travel in the impacted areas is not advised. Extensive and widespread closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. Life saving actions may be needed. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes, especially over higher passes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

High Wind Warning issued March 10 at 11:52AM MDT until March 12 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

Effective: Tue March 10, 2026, 11:52 AM
Expires: Wed March 11, 2026, 12:00 PM

* WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...Kootenai/Cabinet Region. * WHEN...From midnight Wednesday Night to 6 PM MDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution if you must drive.