Featured Streamgage: Muddy Creek at Vaughn, Montana
The USGS streamgage on Muddy Creek in Vaugh, Montana is turning 100 in 2025! The streamgage has recorded streamflow data since 1925, and is an important source of information for agricultural producers and other irrigation water users in the area.
The streamgage on Muddy Creek is located 15 miles northwest of Great Falls in Vaughn, Montana. Muddy Creek is a tributary for the Sun River, which feeds into the Missouri River in Great Falls. Because the surrounding area is predominantly agricultural, the data from this streamgage are important for forecasting and monitoring irrigation water availability. Currently, the gage focuses on measuring streamflow. However, in the past, water quality data has also been collected to help optimize agricultural irrigation practices.
Over its operational history, the Muddy Creek streamgage has also documented numerous extreme hydrological events, including a large flood in 1964 and ice flows in 1947, 1979, and 2018.
This streamgage is operated in partnership with Montana Department of Natural Resources and Greenfields Irrigation District.
Want to delve deeper into the world of streamgaging? Uncover the fundamentals and explore the science behind these important water monitoring tools by checking out our Streamgaging Basics.
The USGS streamgage on Muddy Creek in Vaugh, Montana is turning 100 in 2025! The streamgage has recorded streamflow data since 1925, and is an important source of information for agricultural producers and other irrigation water users in the area.
The streamgage on Muddy Creek is located 15 miles northwest of Great Falls in Vaughn, Montana. Muddy Creek is a tributary for the Sun River, which feeds into the Missouri River in Great Falls. Because the surrounding area is predominantly agricultural, the data from this streamgage are important for forecasting and monitoring irrigation water availability. Currently, the gage focuses on measuring streamflow. However, in the past, water quality data has also been collected to help optimize agricultural irrigation practices.
Over its operational history, the Muddy Creek streamgage has also documented numerous extreme hydrological events, including a large flood in 1964 and ice flows in 1947, 1979, and 2018.
This streamgage is operated in partnership with Montana Department of Natural Resources and Greenfields Irrigation District.
Want to delve deeper into the world of streamgaging? Uncover the fundamentals and explore the science behind these important water monitoring tools by checking out our Streamgaging Basics.