Hydrologic Outlook
None

ESFMSO WESTERN MONTANA AND NORTH-CENTRAL IDAHO A prolonged Atmospheric River is expected to impact Western Montana and North-Central Idaho from Monday through Wednesday, bringing moderate to heavy precipitation. Snow levels are anticipated to start around 7,000 feet on Monday before falling to valley floors behind a cold front early Wednesday. The most likely rainfall scenario forecasts 1 to 2 inches for the valleys of Lincoln, Mineral, Sanders in western Montana and Clearwater, and Idaho counties in Idaho. 2 to 3 inches expected in the mountains of northwest Montana and north-central Idaho. Areas further south and east in western Montana will likely see 1 inch or less. A high-end scenario could bring totals 1 to 2 inches higher than the estimates given above. Due to already saturated ground, particularly in northwest Montana, this rainfall increases the risk of rock and landslides, stream and river rises, and minor flooding. Continue to monitor the latest forecast updates as this system approaches.

Hammer Creek To Heller Bar (Lower Salmon) Paddle Report

Paddle Report

Idaho

Last Updated: 2023-06-13

The Hammer Creek to Heller Bar Lower Salmon River Run on the Little-Salmon-River is a Class III river that is best to float during the months of May and June.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The river is known for its challenging rapids, including Maytag, Bodacious Bounce, and Shorts Rapid. There are also several river obstacles, including rocks and fallen trees. The recommended CFS for this section of water is between 1,000 and 2,500. Overall, this is a great section of water for experienced paddlers looking for a challenging and exciting adventure.

River Run Details

Last Updated	2023-06-13
River Levels	527 cfs (3.43 ft)
Percent of Normal	91%
Optimal Range	3000-20000 cfs
Status	Too Low
Class Level	III- to IV
Elevation	1,779 ft
Run Length	50.0 Mi
Streamflow Discharge	491 cfs
Gauge Height	3.4 ft
Reporting Streamgage	USGS 13316500

Explore Interactive Map

Hydrologic Outlook
Until 2025-12-14T12:15:00-07:00 • National Weather Service
ESFMSO WESTERN MONTANA AND NORTH-CENTRAL IDAHO A prolonged Atmospheric River is expected to impact Western Montana and North-Central Idaho from Monday through Wednesday, bringing moderate to heavy precipitation. Snow levels are anticipated to start around 7,000 feet on Monday before falling to valley floors behind a cold front early Wednesday. The most likely rainfall scenario forecasts 1 to 2 inches for the valleys of Lincoln, Mineral, Sanders in western Montana and Clearwater, and Idaho counties in Idaho. 2 to 3 inches expected in the mountains of northwest Montana and north-central Idaho. Areas further south and east in western Montana will likely see 1 inch or less. A high-end scenario could bring totals 1 to 2 inches higher than the estimates given above. Due to already saturated ground, particularly in northwest Montana, this rainfall increases the risk of rock and landslides, stream and river rises, and minor flooding. Continue to monitor the latest forecast updates as this system approaches.

HAMMER CREEK TO HELLER BAR (LOWER SALMON)

Paddle Report • Streamflow Levels • Weather Forecast

December 13, 2025

Last Updated	2023-06-13
River Levels	527 cfs (3.43 ft)
Percent of Normal	91%
Optimal Range	3000-20000 cfs
Status	Too Low
Class Level	III- to IV
Elevation	1,779 ft
Run Length	50.0 Mi
Streamflow Discharge	491 cfs
Gauge Height	3.4 ft
Reporting Streamgage	Little Salmon River At Riggins Id USGS 13316500

Realtime River Levels

Little Salmon River At Riggins Id
USGS 13316500

Hammer Creek to Heller Bar (Lower Salmon) Preview

Start Free Trial

Weather Forecast

Nearby Streamflow Levels

Salmon River At White Bird Id 7600.0cfs	7600cfs
Little Salmon River At Riggins Id 491.0cfs	491cfs
Sf Clearwater River At Stites Id 1140.0cfs	1140cfs
Imnaha River At Imnaha 150cfs	150cfs
Clear Ck At Kooskia National Fish Hatchery 18.4cfs	18cfs
Snake River Bl Mcduff Rapids At China Gardens 20100.0cfs	20100cfs