Predictions are for high temperatures of 94 degrees Friday, but the river water probably won't be much above 50. That, plus persistent high streamflows, have local safety experts worried they'll have a busy time over the holiday.
“People are forgetting it's not the same as it's been in the past few years,” said Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks river recreation manager Chet Crowser.
There have already been three river-related deaths in western Montana this year: one on the Dearborn, one on the West Fork of the Bitterroot and one on the Blackfoot. Crowser said his river officers have also collected numerous reports of boaters helping fellow boaters who've hung up on snags, gotten stuck on sandbars, or lost boats and gear in bigger-than-expected rapids.
On the other hand, now's the time to play if you're experienced or traveling with someone who is.
“We're running trips every day on the Alberton Gorge and that's in great shape, but it's high-water conditions,” said Mike Johnson, rescue guide for Montana River Guides. “All the experts and professional paddlers are really excited. This is a great opportunity for our guides to experience the rivers at high water.”
Johnson said his company has been putting as many as four “chase boats” behind rafts full of customers to ensure any mishaps have plenty of help when needed. Guides have also been diligent about keeping everyone in wetsuits and life jackets.
After following a steady decline in flows since June 25, the Blackfoot River spiked again Wednesday. After hovering around 3,700 cubic feet per second for a couple of days above Johnsrud Park, it rose back to around 4,200 cfs by midafternoon.
The Clark Fork River through Missoula was pushing about 18,900 cfs, showing a slight boost after staying steady since June 28.
While the American Whitewater river database gave that Missoula stretch its green “running” level recommendation, it was less cheerful about the Alberton Gorge. The flow was still at 23,400 cfs through that reach, and the Web site had it in its blue “above maximum recommended flow” category. The same was true for the Clark Fork's Fish Creek-to-Forest Grove section.
“The rivers are still high - higher than they've been at Fourth of July for a number of years,” said Chris Ennis, boating specialist at the Trail Head in Missoula. “A Fourth of July tube on the Blackfoot is not a good idea. You do need to worry about where logs have moved; be very wary where wood has shifted around. That's really dangerous, and they're difficult to spot when you're in an inner tube.”
Fast-moving info
To learn up-to-date streamflow conditions on area rivers, check the Internet at americanwhitewater.org or waterdata.usgs.gov.
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