Can you swim here today?
South Fork Bear Creek
Montana · River
Live flow only — judge the water in person
Use cautionAs of August 23, 2026, USGS gauge 12350250, 9.4 miles away, reports a streamflow of 348 ft³/s near South Fork 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 12350250, as of Aug 23, 10:30 AM gauge-local time
- Flow is within the normal range (25th–75th percentile) for Aug 23 (median 360 ft³/s over 39 years). — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Aug 23, 10:30 AM gauge-local time
Flow is normal for this date — within the normal range (25th–75th percentile) for Aug 23 (median 360 ft³/s over 39 years).
No official beach-advisory feed for Montana yet — follow posted signs and local guidance.
Live, provisional data from USGS gauge Bitterroot River at Bell Crossing nr Victor MT (9.4 mi away), as of Aug 23, 10:30 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.