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

Avalanche Warning issued March 12 at 6:04AM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

Non-Weather Emergency Message. Not sent to IPAWS.

Effective: Thu March 12, 2026, 6:04 AM
Expires: Fri March 13, 2026, 6:00 AM

AVWMSO The following message is transmitted at the request of Flathead Avalanche Center Hungry Horse MT. ...AVALANCHE WARNING ISSUED BY THE FLATHEAD AVALANCHE CENTER... 06:00 MDT Thu Mar 12 2026 The Flathead Avalanche Center in Hungry Horse has issued a BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WARNING for the following areas: NWS Missoula MT - MTZ001 (MTZ001)...MTZ002 (MTZ002) * WHAT...Strong to extreme winds coupled with recent and ongoing snowfall will create very dangerous avalanche conditions. * WHERE...Slopes above 5000 feet in the Whitefish, Swan, and Flathead Ranges, and the Lake McDonald and Marias Pass areas of Glacier National Park

Winter Storm Warning issued March 12 at 5:09AM MDT until March 14 at 12:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

Effective: Thu March 12, 2026, 5:09 AM
Expires: Fri March 13, 2026, 5:15 AM

* WHAT...For the first Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations up to 6 inches. For the Blizzard Warning, blizzard conditions expected. There is a high likelihood of extreme impacts from strong winds and falling and/or blowing snow on US Highway 2 east of West Glacier to Marias Pass and in backcountry and mountain areas. Wind gusts up to 80 mph but up to 100 mph in the mountains. For the second Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow expected. There is a likelihood of major winter weather impacts. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 20 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Polebridge, Marias Pass, Glacier National Park, Highway 83 Bigfork to Swan Lake, Bad Rock Canyon, and Essex. * WHEN...For the Blizzard Warning, until 9 AM MDT this morning. For the Winter Storm Warning, from 9 AM this morning to noon MDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening through Thursday morning. 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. Very strong winds could cause extensive tree damage. Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...High winds will impact all elevations through this morning with wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph, though gusts to 100 mph are possible on the highest peaks.

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. A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay in your vehicle.

Blizzard Warning issued March 12 at 5:09AM MDT until March 12 at 9:00AM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

Effective: Thu March 12, 2026, 5:09 AM
Expires: Fri March 13, 2026, 5:15 AM

* WHAT...For the first Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations up to 6 inches. For the Blizzard Warning, blizzard conditions expected. There is a high likelihood of extreme impacts from strong winds and falling and/or blowing snow on US Highway 2 east of West Glacier to Marias Pass and in backcountry and mountain areas. Wind gusts up to 80 mph but up to 100 mph in the mountains. For the second Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow expected. There is a likelihood of major winter weather impacts. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 20 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Polebridge, Marias Pass, Glacier National Park, Highway 83 Bigfork to Swan Lake, Bad Rock Canyon, and Essex. * WHEN...For the Blizzard Warning, until 9 AM MDT this morning. For the Winter Storm Warning, from 9 AM this morning to noon MDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening through Thursday morning. 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. Very strong winds could cause extensive tree damage. Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...High winds will impact all elevations through this morning with wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph, though gusts to 100 mph are possible on the highest peaks.

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. A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay in your vehicle.

High Wind Warning issued March 12 at 4:55AM MDT until March 12 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

Effective: Thu March 12, 2026, 4:55 AM
Expires: Thu March 12, 2026, 6:00 PM

* WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 70 mph expected. * WHERE...Kootenai/Cabinet Region. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT this evening. * 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.

High Wind Warning issued March 12 at 4:55AM MDT until March 12 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

Effective: Thu March 12, 2026, 4:55 AM
Expires: Thu March 12, 2026, 6:00 PM

* WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 70 mph expected. * WHERE...Flathead/Mission Valleys. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT this evening. * 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.