2025-12-06T17:00:00-07:00
...PROLONGED SNOW EVENT... .A plume of snow will continue to impacted north central Idaho into west central and southwest Montana tonight. The snow activity will decrease in intensity during the day on Friday, then a second plume of precipitation will impact the region late Friday through Saturday. * WHAT...Heavy snow expected. There is a likelihood of major winter storm impacts. Total snow accumulations 2 to 6 inches in the valleys and 9 to 18 inches in the higher terrain including Lolo Pass. * WHERE...Highway 11 Pierce to Headquarters, Highway 12 Lowell to Lolo Pass, Elk River, Elk City, Pierce, and Dixie. * WHEN...From 4 PM this afternoon to 4 PM PST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes, especially over higher passes.
Summary
The ideal streamflow range for this section is between 500 and 1,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), with higher flows making the rapids more intense. The class rating for this section ranges from class III+ to IV+ depending on the flow.
The segment mileage for this section is 20.2 miles, with several notable rapids and obstacles along the way. One of the most challenging rapids is called "Punch Bowl," which is a steep drop that requires precise navigation. Another significant obstacle is "Hell Hole," a large boulder that creates a powerful hydraulic that can trap paddlers.
There are specific regulations in place for the Whitewater River run, including a permit system and restrictions on group size. Paddlers must obtain a permit from the Forest Service before entering the wilderness area, and groups are limited to no more than 12 people. Additionally, all paddlers must carry a "leave no trace" ethic and pack out all trash.
Overall, the Wilderness Boundary to Headwaters section of the Whitewater River is a challenging and exciting run for experienced paddlers. It is important to follow all regulations and safety guidelines when paddling this section to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
River Run Details
| Last Updated | 2025-12-03 |
| River Levels | 32300 cfs (21.67 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 84% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii+ |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 13317000 |
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Corral Creek
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North Fork Slate Creek Campground
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North Fork Slate Creek
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Sourdough Saddle
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Wilderness Boundary To Headwaters