Unified Interior Regions
Montana
Welcome to the Midwest Region! Our region includes 18 Science Centers in 11 States from the Great Lakes to the Dakotas, south to Missouri and Kentucky. Our streamgage network is used to monitor and assess water resources across the region. Other research focuses on fisheries and aquatic ecosystems, midcontinental plant/animal species, invasive species, wildlife disease, and energy and mining.
Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK)
Scientists from the Center work in the northern Rocky Mountains and across the U.S. Many work throughout the world on issues as diverse as global climate change, aquatic ecology, wildlife diseases, bison ecology, and large carnivores.
Go to NOROCKWyoming-Montana Water Science Center
The Water Science Center's hydrologists, engineers, geospatial analysts, hydrologic technicians, geologists, and support staff work to provide hydrologic data and interpretive studies.
Go to CenterStates L2 Landing Page Tabs
Shepard Glacier 1911 - 2005
Shepard Glacier in Glacier National Park. The red line on the 2005 image illustrates glacier retreat from 1911 to 2005.
Sexton Glacier
Sexton Glacier from bench below Siyeh Pass, Glacier National Park.
Piegan Glacier
Piegan Glacier is one of the few glaciers in Glacier National Park that has not significantly changed since photographed in the 1930s.
Red Eagle Glacier
Although the 2009 photo location does not exactly match the historic photo station, a comparison of relative glacial coverage can still be made. Logan Glacier is in the foreground, while Red Eagle Glacier sits beneath the pyramidal peak that bears the same name. It appears that these two glaciers were joined at the time the historic photo was taken, but recessed into their own basins as time...
Bighorn Sheep in and near Glacier National Park
USGS collected GPS data as well as genetic and other samples on over 100 bighorn sheep east of the Continental Divide in Glacier National Park, Waterton National Park, and the Blackfeet Reservation. Bighorn sheep across the west are vulnerable to disease such as pneumonia. We are therefore working to improve our understanding of bighorn sheep movements, approaches for monitoring bighorns, and...
Ecology of Elk on Department of Interior Lands in Southwest Wyoming
Between 2005 and 2010, we radio- collared 61 female elk (Cervus elaphus) on Fossil Butte National Monument and 12 female elk near Cokeville, Wyoming, slightly northwest of the Monument, all from the West Green River herd. We are using the 209,250 locations from these elk to identify seasonal distribution patterns, evaluate habitat use, and assess factors influencing the timing of migration. ...
Jackson Glacier
At the time this historic photograph was taken in 1911, Blackfoot Glacier encompassed the current Jackson Glacier. By 1939, Blackfoot Glacier's recession had resulted in two distinct glaciers, Jackson and Blackfoot. This photo pair shows glacial recession and successive vegetation growth along Jackson Glacier's terminus.
Iceberg Glacier circa 1940 - 2008
Iceberg Glacier in Glacier National Park.
Harrison Glacier
While difficult to quantify, this photo pair of Harrison Glacier exemplifies the loss of glacier volume. Comparison of the ice profile in the foreground of the photos shows a marked thinning of the glacier over the years,. Colorful layers of sedimentary bedrock are being exposed as the glacier recedes from the cliff bands.
Grinnell Glacier Basin 1936-2013
As Grinnell Glacier retreats, vegetation establishes itself in the newly exposed surfaces. The increase in vegetation along the moraine (center) in this pair is especially obvious.
Grinnell Glacier Basin 1936-2014
A similar view of Grinnell Glacier from the glacier's eastern terminus shows extensive melting and subsequent result, Upper Grinnell Lake.
Please respect the photographer: When using these photographs, please credit the photographer and source (eg. T.J. Hileman, courtesy of Glacier National Park Archives). The paired images at the top of this page are examples of proper crediting for...
Grinnell Glacier Basin 1936-2010
Upon close inspection of this photo pair, the viewer can appreciate the change in the volume of glacial ice that has melted from Grinnell Glacier. In the 2010 image, the glacier's terminus can be seen along the edge of Upper Grinnell Lake, a feature that did not exist in 1936.
Larval Release
Simultaneous mass release of 700,000 free embryos from boats distributed across the channel of the Upper Missouri River.
Pre-Sample Briefing
Pre-deployment briefing for the Upper Missouri River Pallid Sturgeon Drift Study. Fish biologists and physical scientists from Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, US Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, University of Montana, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and US Army Corps of Engineers go over the sample design and assignments.
Red dye-tracer study in June 2016 on the Missouri River in Montana
USGS scientists conducted a dye-tracer study in June 2016 on the Missouri River about 10 miles downstream of Fort Peck Dam, Montana. The public can expect to see the Yellowstone River turn a similar color in the vicinity of the injection site when scientists conduct a dye study near Glendive, Montana in late June, 2017.
Dye Delivery
The rhodamine-WT dye was injected in the river uniformly across the channel.
Dye Preparation
USGS scientists prepare to mix rhodamine-WT dye for the dye trace experiment. The suits are to keep the harmless dye off of clothing.
Fish Swimming on Gravel Bed
Fish swim along the gravel bed bottom of the North Fork of the Flathead River.
Blackfeet Environmental Office personnel groundwater sampling
USGS hydrologist trains Blackfeet Enviromental Office staff to collect groundwater samples on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation
Montana wetland
Panoramic view of a Montana wetland
Mother grizzly and cub at Gibbon River, Yellowstone National Park
A USGS grizzly bear researcher snapped this picture of a mother grizzly bear and her cub in Yellowstone National Park. Adult females are the most important segment of the grizzly bear populations because they are the reproductive engine.
Crossing Hungry Horse Resv en route to S Fk Flathead R ab Twin Ck gage
A visit to the S Fk Flathead River above Twin Creek streamgage requires a trip across Hungry Horse Reservoir. Some mornings, the water is like glass.
Boulder Glacier - Chapman Peak - 2007 black and white
Boulder Glacier - Chapman Peak - 2007 black and white
Lecture on ground-breaking genetic sampling of GRIZZLY BEARS in Glacier National Park, Montana
U.S. Geological Survey scientist Katherine Kendall has received the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Superior Service Award for her outstanding leadership in the study of grizzly and black bears in Glacier National Park, Mont. and the surrounding area.
U.S. Geological Survey scientist Dr. Thomas J. Roffe received the Department of the Interior’s Superior Service Award for his outstanding contributions to wildlife health and natural resources management in the Greater Yellowstone Area during a recent meeting of the Greater Yellowstone Interagency Brucellosis Committee.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientist, Dr. Daniel Fagre, received the Department of the Interior’s Superior Service Award for his outstanding leadership of the Global Change Research Program in Glacier National Park, Montana.
Recent advances in genetic technology that allow scientists to study bear populations without handling bears is the topic of Katherine Kendall’s lecture scheduled for April 5 in Room 3004 at the Main Interior Building at 1849 C St., N.W., Washington, D.C. Reporters are invited to attend and cover the event. Kendall will be available to address questions following her lecture.
Recent advances in genetic technology that allow scientists to study bear populations without handling bears is the topic of Katherine Kendall’s lecture scheduled for April 1st at the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Visitor Center. Reporters are invited to attend and cover the event. Kendall will be available to address questions following her lecture.
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Locations
Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center - Helena Office
Phone: (406) 457-5900
Fax: (406) 457-5990
Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK) Headquarters
Phone: 406-994-7544
Fax: 406-994-6556
Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center - Billings Office
Phone: 406-656-1444
Contacts
Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK)
Scientists from the Center work in the northern Rocky Mountains and across the U.S. Many work throughout the world on issues as diverse as global climate change, aquatic ecology, wildlife diseases, bison ecology, and large carnivores.
Go to NOROCKWyoming-Montana Water Science Center
The Water Science Center's hydrologists, engineers, geospatial analysts, hydrologic technicians, geologists, and support staff work to provide hydrologic data and interpretive studies.
Go to Center