Can you swim here today?
Bear Creek
Montana · River
Cold water — serious cold-shock risk today
Cold waterAs of August 22, 2026, the water temperature at Bear Creek is 60°F (16°C), measured by USGS gauge 12344000, 1.9 miles away.
Cold water — serious cold-shock risk today: water temperature is 60°F, cold enough to cause cold-water shock on sudden immersion.
- Water temperature is 60°F, cold enough to cause cold-water shock on sudden immersion. — USGS gauge 12344000, as of Aug 22, 11:15 AM gauge-local time
- Flow is within the normal range (25th–75th percentile) for Aug 22 (median 417 ft³/s over 89 years). — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Aug 22, 11:15 AM gauge-local time
Flow is normal for this date — within the normal range (25th–75th percentile) for Aug 22 (median 417 ft³/s over 89 years).
No official beach-advisory feed for Montana yet — follow posted signs and local guidance.
Live, provisional data from USGS gauge Bitterroot River near Darby MT (1.9 mi away), as of Aug 22, 11:15 AM 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.