Yellowstone River Water Use Report

This year the Yellowstone River ran at its second lowest flow on record. While it wasn’t particularly hot, it was consistently dry, and Park County was under drought conditions throughout the summer. 

With the future of the Yellowstone River on everybody’s minds, and the annual prayers for a good snowpack already beginning, we are excited to host a community conversation that will speak directly to this reality.

Upper Yellowstone Watershed Study Community Conversation
DATE: November 5, 2025
TIME: 12:00 PM - Noon
LOCATION: Virtual Zoom

The Upper Yellowstone Watershed Study aims to address questions around water resources in the Upper Yellowstone that can be used to answer questions regarding where, when, and how much water is moving throughout the watershed.

The study began in 2021, funded by a Bureau of Reclamation Applied Science Grant. By working with local stakeholders, this study pieced together a comprehensive water balance for the watershed. This tool will help us see how water is moving through our valley and will be vital for developing a drought management plan, forecasting seasonal water supply, and planning for the future.

Our guest presenter will be study lead John Lunzer, a hydrologist with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. He'll walk us through his research and help us understand how this study is providing a clear, data-driven look at our water future.