Boaters and Recreationists Should Use Caution During High Water

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Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials advise boaters to avoid venturing out onto area rivers until flows slow and flood conditions subside. The water is very cold from melting snowpack and the flows are high and powerful. Snags and debris are also being pushed down the river, creating dangerous conditions.

“Powerful currents, debris in the river and hypothermia are are all definate threats to boaters right now,” said Chet Crowser, FWP Region 2 River Recreation Manager. “Even a very short time in the water can lower body temperatures to dangerous levels, and the powerful flows can make it difficult to rescue yourself or others quickly if an accident happens.”

The rivers are also carrying logs, tree limbs and other debris, some of   which can be sumberged beneath the surface of the water. These hidden hazards can trap boats, gear and boaters beneath the water.

Crowser also cautions recreationists to be extremely careful even along the river’s edge and to be aware of changing conditions.

Anyone attempting to float any of the area’s rivers should be sure to have the proper clothing and equipment. Boaters should be prepared in case an accident occurs, and everyone in the party should be aware of the conditions and trained in how to respond to high water and emergency situations.  

“We know that folks are eager to get out on the river, especially with warm temperatures, but we are stongly encouraging them to be patient and wait until conditions are less dangerous,” said Crowser.

The Bitterroot and portions of the Clark Fork Rivers are at or near flood conditions.   Although Blackfoot River levels are below flood stage, flows are very high, the water is cold, and conditions are unpredictable.

Access to the Bitterroot River is limited, as flooding has forced the closure of seven Fishing Access Sites. Closed sites from south to north on the Bitterroot River are Hannon Memorial, Wally Crawford, Angler’s Roost, Woodside Bridge, Bell Crossing, Poker Joe and Florence Bridge.

On the Clark Fork River, Kona Bridge FAS, just west of Missoula on Mullan Road, is closed.    

Changing conditions may warrant future access site closures.  FWP will list any FAS closures for west-central Montana on the web at fwp.mt.gov/r2 and will post closed FASs with signs and barricades.   Contact the FWP Missoula office at (406) 542-5500 for additional information.

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