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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.
Summary
The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 1,500 and 3,000 cfs. The class rating for this section of the river ranges from Class III to Class V, providing a thrilling and technical run for experienced kayakers and rafters.
The segment mileage for this section of the river is approximately 45 miles, beginning at the Wilderness Boundary and ending at the headwaters. Specific river rapids and obstacles include the notorious Devil's Tooth rapid, which is a Class V rapid that requires precise navigation and expert maneuvering. Other challenging rapids include Cabin Drop, The Slot, and the Upper Gorge.
Specific regulations to the area include obtaining a permit from the United States Forest Service in order to access the river. Additionally, all participants must wear a properly fitting personal flotation device and helmets are strongly recommended. Camping is allowed in designated areas only, and all waste must be packed out.
River Run Details
| Last Updated | 2025-12-11 |
| River Levels | 8660 cfs (6.42 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 94% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii-v |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 13307000 |
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sf Clearwater River Nr Elk City Id
|
42cfs |
West Fork Bitterroot River Nr Conner Mt
|
56cfs |
Selway River Nr Lowell Id
|
10700cfs |
Bitterroot River Near Darby Mt
|
1150cfs |
Lochsa River Nr Lowell Id
|
11200cfs |
Middle Fork Salmon River At Mouth Nr Shoup Id
|
1540cfs |
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Paradise Campground
|
||
Paradise
|
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Raven Creek Campground
|
||
Magruder Crossing Campground
|
||
Magruder Crossing
|
||
Poet Creek
|
Wilderness Boundary To Headwaters
Sec. 28, T30N, R13E To Boundary Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness
Paradise to Selway Falls
32nd Street to Smelter
Selway River, Sec. 16, T31N, R13E To Headwaters
Road No. 468, To Headwaters, Sec. 3, T28N, R12E