2025-12-27T17:00:00-07:00
...WIDESPREAD WINTER WEATHER AND WIND IMPACTS... .A series of cold fronts will move through the Northern Rockies bringing wind and snow impacts beginning as early as late tonight into Friday morning. Snow squalls are possible in west-central and southwest Montana late Friday night into early Saturday morning. A push of Arctic air will move westward across the Continental Divide on Saturday bringing another uptick and change in direction of winds with much colder temperatures to follow. * WHAT...Snow expected. There is a likelihood of minor to moderate winter weather impacts. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 7 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Highway 2 Kalispell to Libby, Highway 93 Eureka to Whitefish, Highway 56 Bull Lake Road, and Highway 37 Eureka to Libby. * WHEN...From noon Friday to 5 PM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...For MODERATE winter weather impacts, expect disruptions to normal activities. Hazardous traveling conditions. Use extra caution while driving. Closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute, especially over higher passes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...An Arctic front will move westward across the Continental Divide and into the region on Saturday bringing an uptick in northeast winds. Much colder temperatures with, and behind, this Arctic front. Rapid freeze up of any wet or slushy surfaces is possible.
Summary
The ideal streamflow range for rafting is between 5,000 and 25,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), but some experienced kayakers may attempt the river at higher flows. The river is rated Class III-IV, with some challenging rapids such as the "Ward's Ferry" and "Lemonade." The segment of the river that is commonly run for whitewater is between Bonners Ferry and the Canadian border, a distance of approximately 20 miles.
The Kootenai is known for its beautiful scenery and wildlife, but it is important to note that the river runs through a designated Wilderness Area, which is closed to motorized vehicles and camping. The river is also managed by the U.S. Forest Service and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and there are regulations in place to protect the environment and ensure public safety. For example, all river users are required to wear a life jacket, and camping is only permitted in designated areas.
In addition, it is important to be aware of the potential hazards on the river, such as debris and log jams. It is recommended that whitewater enthusiasts have experience and proper equipment before attempting the Kootenai River. Overall, the Kootenai River provides a challenging and rewarding whitewater experience for those who are up to the task.
River Run Details
| Last Updated | 2025-06-28 |
| River Levels | 11900 cfs (13.92 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 44% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii-iv |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 12305000 |
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Kootenai River At Leonia Id
|
27900cfs |
Yaak River Near Troy Mt
|
1580cfs |
Kootenai River Bel Moyie River Nr Bonners Ferry Id
|
28400cfs |
Kootenai River @ Tribal Hatchery Nr Bonners Ferry
|
15700cfs |
Pack River Nr Colburn Id
|
610cfs |
Moyie River At Eastport Id
|
1080cfs |
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Yaak River
|
||
Yaak River Campground
|
||
Kilbrennan Lake
|
||
Kilbrennan Lake Campground
|
||
Yaak Falls
|
||
Yaak Falls Campground
|
River Runs
-
Kootenai River
-
Yaak Falls, Sec. 4, T33N, R33W To Downstream To Bpa Powerline, 6 Miles West Of Troy
-
Headwaters, East And North Fork Of The Yaak River To Yaak Falls, Sec. 4, T33N, R33W
-
10 Miles From Surprise Gulch To A Mile Below Kootenai Vista Estates To 10 Miles From Surprise Gulch To A Mile Below Kootenai Vista Estates