Series: Water Resources Monitoring in the Bighorn River at Kane, Wyoming

The Greater Yellowstone Network monitors water quality and analyzes river discharge in the Bighorn River at Kane, Wyoming, each year. The Bighorn River watershed contains 16 impaired stream segments downstream of Boysen Reservoir and upstream of Bighorn Lake. We present results of our monitoring and links to data from previous years in this series. We will update this site as new information is collected.

  • Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

    Article 1: Bighorn River at Kane, Wyoming

    A flowing river with steep banks covered in shrubs and grass and a few lone trees.

    The Bighorn River is the largest tributary of the Yellowstone River, flowing from central Wyoming north into Montana. The monitoring site at Kane, Wyoming, is upstream of Bighorn Lake and is within the Yellowtail Wildlife Management Area. From Kane, Wyoming, to Fort Smith, Montana, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area straddles the Bighorn River. Read more

  • Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

    Article 2: Water Flow in the Bighorn River at Kane, Wyoming

    A graph that is not meant to be read, but rather signifies that this section has data in it.

    We monitor water discharge at the USGS gaging station at Kane, Wyoming (USGS 06279500). This part of the river has a mostly natural hydrograph with flows from several large tributaries. Discharge is generally highest in the spring coinciding with snowmelt at higher elevations. Read more

  • Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

    Article 3: Bighorn River Water Quality at Kane, Wyoming

    A low flow river with high dirt banks and leafless trees and brown grass and shrubs on the banks.

    We monitor water quality in the Bighorn River at Kane, Wyoming, from April through August. Total suspended solids and total phosphorus are at their annual maxima during high flows. We compare our results to federal and state water quality standards. Read more

  • Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

    Article 4: Monitoring Methods for the Bighorn River at Kane, Wyoming

    Aerial view of the bighorn river, surrounding lands, and the monitoring site on a bend in the river.

    We monitor water chemistry in the Shoshone River generally following USGS depth and width-integrated protocols and the Greater Yellowstone Network Regulatory Water Quality Monitoring Protocol. Discharge data are collected from a USGS gaging station at Kane, Wyoming (USGS 06279500). Read more

  • Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

    Article 5: Water Quality Criteria for the Bighorn River at Kane, Wyoming

    A brownish river with rocky banks and the shadows of trees on the water.

    The Bighorn River in Wyoming is designated as a Class 2AB water. This classification means it can support drinking water uses and game fisheries for at least part of the game fish life cycle. The river is also protected for nongame fisheries, fish consumption, other aquatic life, recreation, wildlife, industry, agriculture, and scenic values. Read more

Tags: gryn greater yellowstone network water resources water quality water bighorn canyon national recreation area bica bighorn river river monitoring water quality monitoring monitoring