The Greater Yellowstone Network monitors water quality and analyzes river discharge in the Bighorn River near Fort Smith, MT, each year. This sampling location in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is just downstream of the Yellowtail Afterbay Dam. Water quality is relatively good at this location. We will update this site each year as new information is collected.
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Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Article 1: Bighorn River near Fort Smith, Montana
The Bighorn River flows from Wyoming north into Montana. It is formed below the confluence of the Wind River and the Popo Agie River in central Wyoming and flows 236 miles to the Yellowstone River in Montana. We monitor the Bighorn River near Fort Smith, MT on Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Read more
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Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Article 2: Water Flow in the Bighorn River near Fort Smith, Montana
Daily flow measurements on the Bighorn River near Fort Smith, MT, are recorded from a U.S. Geological Survey streamflow gage. Most recent discharge results are presented here. Read more
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Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Article 3: Bighorn River Water Quality near Fort Smith, Montana
Each year, we collect water from across the entire width of the river and at multiple depths to test for chemical and metal components. We also collect core water quality measurements, including water temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductance, pH, and turbidity. Read more
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Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Article 4: Monitoring Methods for the Bighorn River near Fort Smith, Montana
The Greater Yellowstone Inventory and Monitoring Network monitors water resources in parks, including the Bighorn River near Fort Smith, MT, in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. This long-term monitoring is based on peer-reviewed protocols. Read about our monitoring methods here and explore the protocols by clicking on the links at the bottom of the page. Read more
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Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Article 5: Water Quality Criteria for the Bighorn River near Fort Smith, Montana, and Additional Water Quality Information Links
Links to federal and state water quality standards that apply to the Bighorn River near Fort Smith, MT, and other related links. Read more