Rivers in Montana
Big Sandy Creek (MT) near Havre
Below flood stage
2.33ftStage
Observed Mon, Sep 28, 5:30 PM MDT
- Flood stage
- 8.50 ft
- Record crest
- 15.15 ft1978
Flood stages and impacts
| Category | Stage |
|---|---|
| Major flood | 12.00 ft |
| Moderate flood | 10.00 ft |
| Minor flood | 8.50 ft |
| Action | 7.50 ft |
- 11.00 ftAt 11 feet, water overflows Road 50.April 17, 2018 Notes: When the Big Sandy gauge was around 11 Feet, Road 50 actually washed out. The water was about 18 inches above the road when it washed out. One 16 foot culvert was in place at that time. The rough location of Road 50 and Big Sandy Creek is about 7 miles north of the casino on Highway 87, then go 3 miles west.
- 8.50 ftWater out of banks in several locations and starting to spread into frequently used pastures, fields, corrals, etc.
- 5.50 ftWater starting to come out of banks in isolated areas. Water starting to cover lowest roads through pastures and fields.
Flood outlook
Chance of flooding, October to December
| Category | Chance |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | Under 5% |
| Moderate flooding | Under 5% |
| Major flooding | Under 5% |
The three-month chances are the River Forecast Centers’ long-range flood outlook, issued September 23, 2026.
Crest history
54 crests on NOAA’s list since 1947.
| # | Date | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | March 30, 1978 | 15.15 ft |
| 2 | April 3, 1952 | 14.70 ft |
| 3 | April 19, 2018 | 14.63 ft |
| 4 | April 13, 2023 | 12.07 ft |
| 5 | June 6, 2013 | 11.90 ft |
| 6 | April 12, 1965 | 11.31 ft |
| 7 | May 1, 1969 | 10.65 ft |
| 8 | January 1, 1969 | 10.65 ft |
| 9 | March 21, 1947 | 9.68 ft |
| 10 | June 23, 2010 | 9.59 ft |
| 11 | June 8, 2011 | 9.42 ft |
| 12 | March 9, 1966 | 8.07 ft |
| 13 | March 11, 1959 | 7.80 ft |
| 14 | March 10, 2004 | 7.09 ft |
| 15 | July 13, 1993 | 6.85 ft |
| 16 | July 5, 1998 | 6.82 ft |
| 17 | May 19, 1964 | 6.62 ft |
| 18 | June 6, 1953 | 6.56 ft |
| 19 | April 11, 1955 | 6.48 ft |
| 20 | March 30, 1956 | 6.47 ft |
| 21 | July 13, 2001 | 6.28 ft |
| 22 | June 13, 1967 | 6.08 ft |
| 23 | May 28, 1986 | 5.82 ft |
| 24 | April 14, 1996 | 5.24 ft |
| 25 | July 3, 1992 | 5.13 ft |
Most recent crests
- April 13, 2023: 12.07 ft
- April 19, 2018: 14.63 ft
- June 6, 2013: 11.90 ft
- May 14, 2012: 4.01 ft
- June 8, 2011: 9.42 ft
- June 23, 2010: 9.59 ft
- April 1, 2009: 3.97 ft
- June 20, 2008: 3.75 ft
- July 6, 2007: 4.27 ft
- June 12, 2006: 2.61 ft
Nearby
Upstream, downstream and the gauges around this one.
- Milk River at Fresno Reservoir near Havre
- Milk River at Havre
- Clear Creek (North-central MT) at Chinook near mouth
- Battle Creek (North-central MT) at Chinook
- Lodge Creek at McRae Creek at International Boundary
- Lodge Creek at Middle Ck abv Lodge Ck nr Willow Creek 8NW
- Milk River at Eastern Crossing nr Rudyard
- Missouri River at Virgelle
What this means
Forecasts by the Missouri Basin River Forecast Center. Forecasts are issued as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available. Stage data may not be available during winter months.
Sources
Stage, flood stages, impacts and crest history from NOAA’s National Water Prediction Service. Streamflow and the daily record from the U.S. Geological Survey.