Flathead River Patrol Reports

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North Fork Road and Access Site Work

Improvements to several Wild and Scenic River Access sites along the North Fork River as well as brushing and road reconditioning work may cause delays this summer beginning June 17. Be prepared for delays of up to an hour along the North Fork Road (County Road #486) from Red Meadow to the Ford River Access site.

 

Note: Be aware that river conditions can change rapidly depending on weather and other factors. These condition reports are for reference only, and are not authoritative guides.

Cubic Feed per Second (CFS) and Water Depth are based on USGS Survey Stations near the river segment. Current stream-flow data can be found at NOAA's Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service.

How to Read the Hydrograph

 

Middle Fork Flathead River

Middle Fork CFS and Water Depth from the USGS Survey Station at West Glacier (123585000)
Date     Put-In     Take Out    Length (mi)  Float Time (hrs)   CFS/Depth      Observed Conditions

6/10

 Essex Paola 7 4 8580 cfs/5.3 ft

High/Moderate Flows:

  • Water is starting to clear but still slightly murky with some debris present. 
  • A few rocks or obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Fast water and strong hyrdaulics present in some locations. 
  • Seasonally flooded vegetation is mostly exposed. 

*There is a river wide strainer at approx river mile 44 that is blocking the right channel. At this water level, there is clear passage far river left.*
6/11 Paola Cascadilla 12 5 9090 cfs/5.5 ft

High/Moderate Flows:

  • Water is starting to clear but still slightly murky with some debris present. 
  • A few rocks or obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Fast water and strong hyrdaulics present in some locations. 
  • Seasonally flooded vegetation is mostly exposed
6/14 West Glacier Blankenship 5.5 1.5 7260 cfs/4.9ft 

High/Moderate Flows:

  • Water is starting to clear but still slightly murky with some debris present. 
  • A few rocks or obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Fast water and strong hyrdaulics present in some locations. 
  • Seasonally flooded vegetation is mostly exposed
6/15 Paola Cascadilla 12 3.5 7020 cfs/4.8 ft

High/Moderate Flows:

  • Water is starting to clear but still slightly murky with some debris present. 
  • A few rocks or obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Fast water and strong hyrdaulics present in some locations. 
  • Seasonally flooded vegetation is mostly exposed
6/20 Schafer Meadows Granite Creek 11 6.75 3800 cfs/3.8 ft
  • The section between Schafer Meadows and Three Forks was low, but still passable for rangers in 12ft rafts. As the water continues to lower, expect to have to drag heavier craft across shoals. 
  • Three Forks Series is rocky but passable and has many tight, technical moves. There is still a strainer across the river left channel above Three Forks rapid. There is a narrow but passable channel far river right. 
  • The Three Forks Rapid is still runnable at this water level, but very rocky and has many tight moves. As the water levels approach 2500 cfs, this rapid becomes unrunnable for larger rafts. 
6/21 Granite Creek Spruce Park Cabin 9 4 3600 cfs/3.7 ft
  • 25 Mile Rapid is tight and technical at this water level. The scout and portage is on river right. 
  • Lunch Creek series has many rocks just under the surface of the water or just out of the water. There are some technical moves in this section. 
  • As the water continues to drop, expect to push larger or heavier craft off rocks or across shoals.
6/21 West Glacier Blankenship 5.5 4 3660 cfs/3.7 ft

Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Some rocks and obstacles are exposed with many just below the surface of the water. 
  • Navigable channel is generally available and it's unlikely that craft will need to be pushed.  
  • Strong hydraulics are present in a few locations. 
  • Seasonally flooded vegetation is entirely exposed. 
6/22 Spruce Park Essex 11 5 3700 cfs/3.7 ft
  • Spruce Park series (river mile 59 - river mile 57) has strong hyraulics at this water level with technical moves and tight channels. The scout and portage for the first rapid in the Spruce Park series is on river right just above the start of the rapid. 
  • There are many rocks and obstacles just below the surface of the water or barely exposed through this section. 
  • As the water continues to drop, expect to push larger or heavier craft off rocks or across shoals.
7/12 Bear Creek Paola 10 4  3260 cfs/3.55 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations. 
7/12 Paola Cascadilla 12 3.5 3260 cfs/3.55 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations. 
7/13 Essex Cascadilla 19 5 3050 cfs/3.46 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations. 
7/13 Cascdilla West Glacier 16 5.25 3050 cfs/3.46 ft

Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clearing but still murky. 
  • Some rocks and obstacles are exposed with many just below the surface of the water. 
  • Navigable channel is generally available and it's unlikely that craft will need to be pushed. Heavier craft will need to be pushed through shallow sections in the Nyack Flats. 
  • While the water is moving slower, there are still strong hydraulics present through the rapids in the Moccasin to West Glacier section. 
  • Seasonally flooded vegetation is entirely exposed. 
7/14 Bear Cr Paola 10.5 5 2860 cfs/3.37 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations. 
7/14 Paola Cascadilla 12 4.5 2860 cfs/3.37 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations. 
7/26 Bear Creek Paola 10.5 4.25 1610 cfs/2.68 ft

Low Flows: 

  • Water is clear with no debris present. 
  • Most rocks and obstacles are exposed along with many rock bars. 
  • Larger and/or heavier craft will need to be pushed through some sections, especially over shallower shoals through the Bear Creek to Essex section.
  • Water is very slow with strong hydraulics in some locations. 
7/28 Cascadilla Blankenship 20 6 1400 cfs/2.54 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. There are many shallower shoals that heavy craft may need to be pushed through in the Nyack Flats area. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations, especially through the rapids from Moccasin Cr to West Glacier. 

** There is a new strainer at ~ RM 22.25 where the river narrows from Nyack Flats into the canyon, about a mile upstream of Lincoln Creek. It's on river right and extends about 1/2 way across the channel. There is plenty of room to avoid the strainer on river left of the channel. **
7/28 Blankenship House of Mystery 9.5 4 1400 cfs/2.54 ft

Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Some rocks and obstacles are exposed with many just below the surface of the water. 
  • Navigable channel is generally available and it's unlikely that craft will need to be pushed.  
  • Strong hydraulics are present in a few locations. 
  • Seasonally flooded vegetation is entirely exposed. 
8/9 Cascadilla West Glacier 16 4.5 1050 cfs/2.32 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. There are many shallower shoals that heavy craft may need to be pushed through in the Nyack Flats area. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. Portage may be required to get through shallow sections. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations, especially through the rapids from Moccasin Cr to West Glacier. 
8/9 West Glacier House of Mystery 15 4.5 1050 cfs/2.32 ft

Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Some rocks and obstacles are exposed with many just below the surface of the water. 
  • Navigable channel is generally available and it's unlikely that craft will need to be pushed.  
  • Strong hydraulics are present in a few locations. 
  • Seasonally flooded vegetation is entirely exposed.
8/11 Cascadilla West Glacier 16 6 961 cfs/2.24 ft

Low Flows:

  • Water is clear with no debris present. 
  • Most rocks and obstacles are exposed along with many rock bars. 
  • Larger and/or heavier craft will need to be pushed through some sections. 
  • Water is slow with reduced hydraulics in most locations. 
8/11 West Glacier House of Mystery 16 5 961 cfs/2.24 ft

Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Some rocks and obstacles are exposed with many just below the surface of the water. 
  • Navigable channel is generally available and it's unlikely that craft will need to be pushed.  
  • Strong hydraulics are present in a few locations. 
  • Seasonally flooded vegetation is entirely exposed. 
8/23 Moccasin Creek Blankenship 14.5 5.5 782 cfs/2.07 ft

Low/Moderate Flows:

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. There are many shallower shoals that heavy craft may need to be pushed through in the Nyack Flats area. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. Portage may be required to get through shallow sections. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations, especially through the rapids from Moccasin Cr to West Glacier. 
8/23 Blankenship House of Mystery 10.5 4.5 782 cfs/2.07 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations. 
8/24 Moccasin Creek Blankenship 14.5 6 792 cfs/2.08 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations. 

*There is a strainer across the river ~200 yds above the confluence of Moccasin Creek and the Middle Fork. It is portageable on far river right by the gravel bar and can be clearly seen from upstream if you are coming down from Cascadilla.*
8/24 Blankenship House of Mystery 10.5 5 792 cfs/2.08 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations. 
8/30 Moccasin Creek Blankenship 14.5 5 822 cfs/2.11 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations. 
9/1 Blankenship House of Mystery 10 3.5 772 cfs/2.06 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations. 
9/7 Moccasin Creek Blankenship 14.5 5.5 668 cfs/1.95 ft

Low/Moderate Flows:

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. There are many shallower shoals that heavy craft may need to be pushed through in the Nyack Flats area. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. Portage may be required to get through shallow sections. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations, especially through the rapids from Moccasin Creek to West Glacier. 

 

 

North Fork Flathead River

North Fork CFS and Water Depth from the USGS Survey Station at Columbia Falls (123555000)
Date  Put-In Take Out Length (mi.) Float Time (hrs) CFS Observed Conditions
6/22 Border Ford 14 4 4750 cfs/4.3 ft

Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Some rocks and obstacles are exposed with many just below the surface of the water. 
  • Navigable channel is generally available and it's unlikely that craft will need to be pushed.  
  • Strong hydraulics are present in a few locations. 
  • Seasonally flooded vegetation is entirely exposed.
6/23 Ford Polebridge 11 3 4930 cfs/ 4.4 ft

Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Some rocks and obstacles are exposed with many just below the surface of the water. 
  • Navigable channel is generally available and it's unlikely that craft will need to be pushed.  
  • Strong hydraulics are present in a few locations. 
  • Seasonally flooded vegetation is entirely exposed.
7/5 Big Creek Blankenship 15 3.5 4750 cfs/4.3 ft

High/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water starting to clear but is still slightly murky. 
  • Few rocks or obstacles exposed, though there are many just under the surface of the water. 
  • Water is fast with strong hydraulics in some locations. 
  • Seasonally flooded vegetation is mostly exposed. 
7/6 Border Ford 14 3.5 4480 cfs/4.25 ft

Moderate Flows:

  • Water is clearing up but still slightly murky. 
  • Some rocks and obstacles are exposed with many just near the surface of the water. 
  • Navigable channel is generally available and it's unlikely that heavy craft will need to be pushed. 
  • Strong hydraulics and fast water are present in some locations. 
  • Seasonally flooded vegetation is entirely exposed. 
7/7 Ford  Polebridge 10 3.5 4310 cfs/4.1 ft

Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clearing up but still slightly murky. 
  • Some rocks and obstacles are exposed with many just near the surface of the water. 
  • Navigable channel is generally available and it's unlikely that heavy craft will need to be pushed. 
  • Strong hydraulics and fast water are present in some locations. 
  • Seasonally flooded vegetation is entirely exposed. 
7/7 Polebridge Coal Creek 9.5 3 4310 cfs/4.1 ft

Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clearing up but still slightly murky. 
  • Some rocks and obstacles are exposed with many just near the surface of the water. 
  • Navigable channel is generally available and it's unlikely that heavy craft will need to be pushed. 
  • Strong hydraulics and fast water are present in some locations. 
  • Seasonally flooded vegetation is entirely exposed.
7/19 Polebridge Coal Creek 9.5 2.5 2170 cfs/3.20 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations. 
7/20 Ford Polebridge 11 3 2160 cfs/3.13 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations. 
7/21 Border Ford 14 4 2050 cfs/3.05 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations. 
7/21 Ford Polebridge 11 3 2050 cfs/3.05 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations. 
7/27 Border Ford 14 3.5 1600 cfs/2.71 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations. 
7/27 Ford Polebridge 11 2.5  1600 cfs/2.71 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations. 
8/2 Polebridge Coal Creek 10.5 4.5 1270 cfs/2.44 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations. 
8/3 Coal Creek Big Creek 10.5 3 1230 cfs/2.4 ft

Moderate Flows: 

  • Water clear with little to know debris. 
  • Some rocks and obstacles are exposed with many just near the surface of the water. 
  • Navigable channel is generally available, though heavy craft may need to be pushed through some sections. 
  • Strong hydraulics and fast water are present in some locations. 
  • Seasonally flooded vegetation is entirely exposed.
8/3 Big Creek  Glacier Rim 12 3.5 1230 cfs/2.4 ft

Moderate Flows: 

  • Water clear with little to know debris. 
  • Some rocks and obstacles are exposed with many just near the surface of the water. Many rock bars are exposed. 
  • Navigable channel is generally available and it's unlikely that heavy craft will need to be pushed. 
  • Strong hydraulics and fast water are present in some locations. 
  • Seasonally flooded vegetation is entirely exposed.
8/4 Blankenship House of Mystery 11 3  1160 cfs/2.36 ft

Moderate Flows: 

  • Water clear with little to know debris. 
  • Some rocks and obstacles are exposed with many just near the surface of the water. Many rock bars are exposed. 
  • Navigable channel is generally available and it's unlikely that heavy craft will need to be pushed. 
  • Strong hydraulics and fast water are present in some locations. 
  • Seasonally flooded vegetation is entirely exposed.
8/10 Ford Polebridge 11 3.5 1190 cfs/2.37 ft

Low Flows:

  • Water is clear with no debris present. 
  • Most rocks and obstacles are exposed along with many rock bars. 
  • Larger and/or heavier craft will need to be pushed through some sections. 
  • Water is slow with reduced hydraulics in most locations. 
8/10 Polebridge Coal Creek 9.5 4.5 1190 cfs/2.37 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations. 

8/16

 Great Northern Flats Blankenship 11 4 1090 cfs/2.23 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations. 
8/17 Ford Polebridge 11 5 1170 cfs/2.31 ft

Low Flows:

  • Water is clear with no debris present. 
  • Most rocks and obstacles are exposed along with many rock bars. 
  • Larger and/or heavier craft will need to be pushed through some sections. 
  • Water is slow with reduced hydraulics in most locations. 
8/17 Polebridge Coal Creek 9 3 1170 cfs/2.31 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations. 
8/18 Big Creek Glacier Rim 12 4.5 1100 cfs/2.24 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations. 
8/25 Coal Creek Big Creek 9 4 1000 cfs/2.14 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations. 
8/25 Big Creek Glacier Rim 12 5 1000 cfs/2.14 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations. 
8/30 Great Northern Flats Blankenship 11 5 1020 cfs/2.16 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations. 
8/31 Polebridge Coal Creek 9.5 3.5  991 cfs/2.13 ft

Low Flows: 

  • Water is clear with no debris present. 
  • Most rocks and obstacles are exposed along with many rock bars. 
  • Larger and/or heavier craft will need to be pushed through shallow sections. Portage may be required through some sections. 
  • Water is slow with reduced hydraulics in most locations
8/31 Coal Creek Big Creek 9.5 4 991 cfs/2.13 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations.
9/1 Great Northern Flats Blankenship 11 4 962 cfs/2.1 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations.
9/6 Big Creek Glacier Rim 12 5.5 842 cfs/1.97 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations.
9/6 Glacier Rim House of Mystery 13 5 842 cfs/1.97 ft

Low/Moderate Flows: 

  • Water is clear with little to no debris present. 
  • Many rocks and obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water. 
  • Heavy craft may need to be pushed through shallower sections or over shoals. 
  • Slow water but there are still strong hydraulics present in some locations.

 

 

South Fork Flathead River

South Fork CFS and Water Depth from the USGS Survey Station at Twin Creek near Hungry Horse (12359800)
Date  Put-In Take Out Length (mi.) Float Time (hrs) CFS Observed Conditions
7/17 Hahn Cabin Youngs Creek Confluence 5 No data No data
  • Youngs creek is very low with many exposed rocks and few navigable channels. The section of Young's Creek below the gorge may be floatable for small rafts and packrafts, but putting in above the gorge is not advisable.
8/3 Confluence of Youngs and Danaher Big Prairie Workcenter 7 5 575 cfs / 5.12 ft
  • The water in this section is clear and getting low, and groups with full size rafts may want to consider putting below the White River or Big Salmon Creek.
  • Even in a packraft there are many areas that will require dragging over rocks.
  • There are multiple strainers and log jams in this section that will require full control and navigation to avoid. At river mile 92 there is a channel wide strainer that will require a very short portage on river left.
  • Rangers have observed an abundance of trash in fire rings. Refrain from burning items such as tin foil, food and beer cans, and plastic. These items will not burn fully and are littering campsites along the river corridor.
8/16 Big Prairie Workcenter Salmon Forks Cabin 14 7 558 cfs / 5.09 ft
  • Water is clear and flows are very low, and continuing to drop quickly.
  • Many rocks or obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water, larger/heavier rafts will have significant trouble in this section, even packrafts will require much dragging over rocks to continue downstream.
  • Fast water and strong hydraulics present in some locations between Big Prairie and Holbrook Creek.
  • Between Mile 88 and 85.5 there are 3 strainer features that will require a "drag around" or portage.
  • There are many shallow braided channels from Holbrook Creek to Salmon Forks. To see the confluence of the White River Stay right and otherwise choose the deepest channel to navigate.
  • Please refrain from burning trash such as aluminum foil, food and beer cans, and plastic in fire rings. These items will not burn up fully and are littering campsites along the river corridor.
  • Camping around Salmon Forks and Big Salmon Cr. is often very busy but there are many non designated site options. Be courteous to other campers and clean up any trash you find from others.
8/17 Salmon Forks Cabin Black Bear Cabin 9 4.5 537 cfs / 5.05 ft
  • Water is clear and flows are low and continuing to drop.
  • The river is very low and and most craft will have to drag a number of times in this section.
  • Many rocks or obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water.
  • Please refrain from burning trash such as aluminum foil, food and beer cans, and plastic in fire rings. These items will not burn up fully and are littering campsites along the river corridor.
  • Camping at Little Salmon Creek is often very busy but there are many non designated site options. Be courteous to other campers and clean up any trash you find from others.
8/18 Black Bear Cabin Mid Creek Takeout 8 3 596 cfs / 4.97 ft
  • Water is clear and flows are low and continuing to drop.
  • A few rocks or obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water.
  • Fast water and strong hydraulics present in some locations.
  • Around these flows some features in two small rapids upstream of Mid Creek Takeout can be challenging. Remember to rig your gear well and scout if you feel unsure about any water features.
  • This part of the river corridor sees much shared use from backpackers and horse packing. Please refrain from burning trash such as aluminum foil, food and beer cans, and plastic in fire rings. These items will not burn up fully and are littering campsites along the river corridor.
  • Rangers have recently found a significant amount of unburried human waste from here down to Hungry Horse Resevoir. Please be respectful to the land and other public land users and properly remove or burry your human waste far from the water. Please bury at leaste 8 inches deep and 250 ft from water (This can seriously affect water quality and all our experiences).
8/18 Mid Cr. Takeout (Meadow Cr. Gorge) Cedar Flats 5 3 600 cfs / 5.10 ft
  • Past the mid creek takeout is a narrow and committing section of whitewater. Once past the mid creek takeout, options are limited/non-existant for taking out until the Meadow Creek Packbridge or Cedar Flats.
  • Knowledge of the rapids and their locations, as well as scouting are keys to success in the gorge. Please only attempt this section if you come prepared with the proper safety equipment, training, and experience.
  • Larger rafts will not fit through the gorge at these flows.
8/19 Cedar Flats Billy Garret Memorial Bridge 11 5 477 cfs / 4.93 ft
  • Water is clear and low.
  • Many rocks or obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water.
  • Fast water and strong hydraulics present in some locations.
  • There are 2 strainers on the River Left side in a small rapid at River Mile 47.5 ( Around .5 miles upstream of Red Creek) This is easily avoided by staying right above corner. As water levels lower this right side will become more shallow so be cautious here.
  • The Put in/takeout has seen heavy traffic from fishermen, campers, and floaters take some extra time to make sure you don't leave any trash behind. Also Rangers have cleaned up several piles of Human waste here recently - please follow regulations and dispose of your waste properly.
8/6 Billy Garret Memorial Bridge Log Landing (Hungry Horse Reservoir) 7 4.5 580 cfs / 5.13 ft
  • Water is clear and low.
  • Many rocks or obstacles are exposed or just under the surface of the water.
  • Channels are still easily navigable for full size rafts, but expect to avoid shallows and rock gardens regularly. .
  • Fast water and strong hydraulics present in some locations.
  • Ass Over Teakettle Rapid around River Mile 41.5 is easily passable by following the current down the center left.
  • The reservoir is up so expect to work getting to Log Landing if it's a windy day.
  • The Put in/takeout has seen heavy traffic from fishermen, campers, and floaters take some extra time to make sure you don't leave any trash behind.