Montana · river
South Fork Sun River near Augusta
Live conditions for this USGS-monitored stretch of water, updated every 15 minutes.
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Paddle Score, from live wind and water conditions

Wind
6 mph
gusting to 6 mph
Air temp
55°F
1% chance of rain
River flow
104 cfs
normal for this date
Best day to paddle this week
Friday · 88
Today
49
78°
Wed
86
80°
Thu
66
85°
Fri
88
90°
Best
Sat
24
89°
Sun
68
82°
Mon
82
88°
Scored from each day's peak forecast wind, heat, and rain chance — river flow isn't forecastable, so check back before you load the boat.
Wind, next 12 hours
mph| Hour | Wind (mph) | Gusts (mph) |
|---|---|---|
| 7a | 6 | 6 |
| 8a | 4 | 4 |
| 9a | 2 | 4 |
| 10a | 2 | 14 |
| 11a | 9 | 18 |
| 12p | 11 | 19 |
| 1p | 12 | 19 |
| 2p | 11 | 16 |
| 3p | 12 | 17 |
| 4p | 11 | 17 |
| 5p | 18 | 31 |
| 6p | 5 | 14 |
Is this flow normal for August 18?
Today's 104 cfs is Right about the median for this date — which counts as normal water here.
The median flow on this date is 108 cfs, across 114 years of USGS record at this gauge. Whether that is runnable depends on the stretch — this is context, not a recommendation.
Why this score
- Wind — 6 mph — calm, ideal for any boat±0
- Cold — 55°F — dress for the water, not the air-8
We don't have launch notes for this one
This page is built from the USGS gauge at this location, so the flow and weather are real — but we haven't verified where to put in, what the hazards are, or whether this stretch is legal or sensible to paddle. We'd rather say that than invent it. The links below are where to find out.
We also don't have a verified safe-flow range here, so the Paddle Score reflects weather only. Judge the flow number against local knowledge, not against our score.
Do your own homework
We show you live conditions. For local knowledge — where to put in, what the hazards are, whether it's worth the drive — here's where paddlers actually talk about this water. We don't vet these sources; check the dates and judge for yourself.
- Paddler discussion on Reddit
Trip reports and local warnings, straight from the source
- Search American Whitewater
Rapid classifications and gauge-linked run descriptions
- Satellite view and access roads
Check parking, put-ins, and what the banks actually look like
- Video from this water
The fastest way to see the character of a run before you drive
- USGS gauge 06079000
Full hydrograph, historical flows, and station metadata
Nearby water
- North Fork Sun River near Augustaunder 1 mi
- Sun River below Diversion Dam near Augusta8 mi
- Teton River below South Fork near Choteau21 mi
- Sun River below Willow Creek near Augusta24 mi
- South F Flathead River above Twin Creek near Hungry Horse40 mi
- Birch Creek below Heart Butte Road, near Heart Butte43 mi