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Can you swim here today?

Big Bear Creek

Montana · River

Live flow only — judge the water in person

Use caution

As of August 22, 2026, USGS gauge 06043500, 5.1 miles away, reports a streamflow of 402 ft³/s near Big Bear Creek but no water-temperature reading.

Live flow only — judge the water in person: live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby.

  • Live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby. USGS gauge 06043500, as of Aug 22, 12:00 PM gauge-local time
  • Flow is below the 25th percentile for Aug 22 (median 522 ft³/s over 97 years). USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Aug 22, 12:00 PM gauge-local time
Streamflow
402 ft³/s
discharge
Gage height
1.47 ft
water level

Flow is low for this date — below the 25th percentile for Aug 22 (median 522 ft³/s over 97 years).

No official beach-advisory feed for Montana yet — follow posted signs and local guidance.

Live, provisional data from USGS gauge Gallatin River near Gallatin Gateway, MT (5.1 mi away), as of Aug 22, 12:00 PM gauge-local time.

Before you get in

  • Never swim alone — and keep weaker swimmers within arm's reach.
  • Scout depth and entry/exit points before you get in.
  • Read the current: avoid fast, rising, or murky water.
  • Check the forecast — get out well before storms or lightning.
  • Obey posted signs, flags, and lifeguard guidance.

Read next

Conditions are for general information only and can change quickly. Always judge the water in person and follow posted advisories and local guidance before swimming or paddling.