The Yellowstone River flows northwest from its headwaters in the Absaroka Range on Younts Peak, Wyoming, through Yellowstone National Park, exiting near Gardiner, Montana, on its way to the Missouri River. The river has relatively high water quality and is a popular cold-water fishery destination. The Greater Yellowstone Network monitors water discharge and water quality in the Yellowstone River. We will update this series as we collect more data.
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Yellowstone National Park
Article 1: The Yellowstone River at Corwin Springs, Montana
The Yellowstone River is the longest undammed river in the lower 48 states. It flows northwest through Yellowstone National Park on its way to the Missouri River. The river supports agricultural, municipal, and recreational uses and is ecologically important in the region. We monitor water quality and discharge in the Yellowstone River at Corwin Springs, MT. Read more
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Yellowstone National Park
Article 2: Water Flow in the Yellowstone River at Corwin Springs, Montana
A U.S. Geological Survey gaging station (USGS 06191500) has measured daily flow on the Yellowstone River most years since 1890. The river is a snow-driven system where peak flows are greater during spring runoff. We present annual discharge monitoring results from the Yellowstone River in this article. Read more
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Yellowstone National Park
Article 3: Water Quality in the Yellowstone River at Corwin Springs, Montana
The Yellowstone River has relatively high water quality and much of the watershed upstream from the monitoring location is managed within federal lands. We measure water chemistry and core water quality parameters monthly from August to November each year. Total phosphorus and total suspended solids (TSS) tend to be highest during high flows. Arsenic, which occurs naturally in this region, tends to be lowest during high flows. Read more
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Yellowstone National Park
Article 4: Water Monitoring Methods for the Yellowstone River at Corwin Springs, Montana
We collect water samples monthly during ice-free periods following depth and width-integrated protocols outlined by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). In addition to water chemistry testing, we collect temperature, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen, pH, and turbidity data. Daily water discharge and temperature data are collected by a USGS gaging station. Read more
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Yellowstone National Park
Article 5: Water Quality Criteria for the Yellowstone River at Corwin Springs, Montana
Exiting the park at Gardiner, MT, the Yellowstone River has been classified as a B-1 water body. This means the water is suitable for drinking after treatment, recreation, agricultural and industrial water supply, and growth and propagation of salmonid fishes and associated aquatic life, waterfowl, and furbearers. We compare our water quality monitoring data with state and federal standards. Read more