Blackfoot River river run
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Blackfoot River
The Blackfoot River is rated as a class II-III+ river, with rapids such as "Jaws" and "Bone Crusher" providing exciting challenges for experienced paddlers. The segment mileage of the Blackfoot River runs for approximately 30 miles, from the town of Ovando to the Johnsrud Park Campground.
Specific regulations for the Blackfoot River include a permit system for commercial outfitters, and a limit on the number of launches per day to protect the natural resources of the area. Paddlers are also required to carry a personal flotation device and are advised to pack out all trash and waste to preserve the natural beauty of the river.
Overall, the Blackfoot River offers a thrilling whitewater experience with stunning scenery and specific regulations to ensure the area is preserved for future generations to enjoy.
Plan your run down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram; rain ahead of a run typically lifts flows 12-48 hours later depending on the basin.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks -- the upstream story that drives next week's flows.
Regional streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Blackfoot River -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Blackfoot River Near Bonner Mt | 2,350 cfs | → |
| Clark Fork At Turah Bridge Nr Bonner Mt | 1,150 cfs | → |
| Rock Creek Near Clinton Mt | 743 cfs | → |
| Clark Fork Above Missoula Mt | 3,430 cfs | → |
| Clark Fork Near Drummond Mt | 451 cfs | → |
| South Fork Jocko River Near Arlee Mt | 138 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest boat launches, other paddle runs, and campgrounds so a day on the water can grow into a full weekend.
Boat launches
Campgrounds
- Thibodeau Fas
- Thibodeau Campground
- Corricks River Bend Fas
- Ninemile Prairie Fas
- Johnsrud Park Fas
- Clearwater Crossing
Fishing spots
Whitewater safety
- Check the flow before you run
- Use the linked-gauge card and Regional Flow panel above. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV+ at high water.
- Know your skill ceiling
- Pick runs comfortably below your ceiling. Cold-water and big-water runs raise the consequences of any mistake.
- Wear the right gear
- Helmet, PFD, drysuit / wetsuit when water is below 60°F. Throw bag, knife, and whistle on your person, not in the boat.
- Scout, set safety, and run with a team
- Scout new rapids on foot, set safety with throw bags above the consequence pool, and run with at least one other competent paddler.
- Respect the river
- Strainers, undercuts, low-head dams, and wood can kill at any class rating. When in doubt, portage.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Blackfoot River as a favorite, set a discharge threshold (e.g. "alert me when flow hits 600 cfs"), and the iOS app pushes the moment the linked gauge crosses.
About Blackfoot River
What's the optimal flow for Blackfoot River?
The optimal flow depends on the section and the craft. Check the Run Details panel for the linked gauge and current status.
How fresh is the cfs reading on this page?
The linked USGS streamgauge reports continuously (every 15 minutes); Snoflo refreshes throughout the day. Hover the streamflow sparkline to read individual datapoints.
What's the whitewater class?
See the Run Details panel for the class rating Snoflo tracks for this run. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV in high water.
Where do I put in / take out?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions to the put-in. For shuttle planning, check the Nearby Boat Launches panel and the river run operator's site.
Can I get alerts when flows hit the optimal range?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this run, set a discharge threshold, and you'll get a push the moment the gauge crosses.
Other runs near here
Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of Blackfoot River.