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Can you swim here today?

East Fork Bear Creek

Montana · River

Cold water — serious cold-shock risk today

Cold water

As of August 22, 2026, the water temperature at East Fork Bear Creek is 55°F (13°C), measured by USGS gauge 12338300, 10.3 miles away.

Cold water — serious cold-shock risk today: water temperature is 55°F, cold enough to cause cold-water shock on sudden immersion.

  • Water temperature is 55°F, cold enough to cause cold-water shock on sudden immersion. USGS gauge 12338300, as of Aug 22, 1:00 PM gauge-local time
  • Flow is above the 75th percentile for Aug 22 (median 203 ft³/s over 27 years); fast water is the top river-drowning risk. USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Aug 22, 1:00 PM gauge-local time
Water temp
55°F
13°C
Streamflow
230 ft³/s
discharge
Gage height
4.59 ft
water level

Flow is high for this date — above the 75th percentile for Aug 22 (median 203 ft³/s over 27 years).

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

Live, provisional data from USGS gauge NF Blackfoot R ab Dry Gulch nr Ovando MT (10.3 mi away), as of Aug 22, 1:00 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.