Paddle Report

Southeastern Boundary Of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area To Confluence With Bighorn River river run

Montana, USA Black Canyon Creek 4.0 mi long Class III-IV
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
31%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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 Southeastern Boundary Of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area To  Confluence With Bighorn River -- Montana paddle run
Southeastern Boundary Of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area To Confluence With Bighorn River Montana · Black Canyon Creek
About this run

Southeastern Boundary Of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area To Confluence With Bighorn River

The Whitewater River Run in Montana is a challenging and scenic adventure that spans from the southeastern boundary of the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area to its confluence with the Bighorn River. The ideal streamflow range for the run is between 3,000 and 10,000 cfs, which provides the most thrilling and enjoyable experience for whitewater enthusiasts. The run is rated Class III-IV, which means that it features moderate to difficult rapids and obstacles that require expertise in maneuvering through turbulent waters.

The segment mileage of the Whitewater River Run is approximately 14 miles, and it is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own set of rapids and obstacles. The first section starts at the Mason-Lovell Ranch and ends at the Devil Canyon Campground, covering a distance of five miles. The second section, known as the Devil Canyon, spans two miles and features challenging rapids such as the Corkscrew and the Rock Garden. The final section is six miles long and leads to the confluence with the Bighorn River, offering a more relaxed and scenic experience.

The Whitewater River Run features several challenging rapids and obstacles, including the Pinball, the Razor's Edge, and the S-Turn. The Pinball is a series of three drops that require precision and skill to navigate, while the Razor's Edge is a narrow chute with sharp rocks that calls for precise maneuvering to avoid hazards. The S-Turn is a set of rapids that require a careful approach and excellent paddling skills to avoid capsizing.

The Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area has specific regulations to ensure the safety and enjoyment of visitors. All persons using the river must wear personal flotation devices, and commercial outfitters must meet specific qualifications and follow strict safety guidelines. Additionally, visitors are not allowed to disturb wildlife or damage the natural environment.

In conclusion, the Whitewater River Run in Montana is a thrilling and challenging adventure that requires skill and expertise to navigate. The ideal streamflow range is between 3,000 and 10,000 cfs, and the run is rated Class III-IV. The segment mileage is approximately 14 miles, and it features several challenging rapids and obstacles, including the Pinball, the Razor's Edge, and the S-Turn. There are specific regulations to the area to ensure safety and preserve the natural environment.
StateMontana
RiverBlack Canyon Creek
Run length4.0 mi
ClassIII-IV
Elevation3,152 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal31%
StreamgageUSGS 06287000
Latitude45.2426°
Longitude-107.9547°
Detailed forecast

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.

Hourly detail

Next 5 days, hour by hour

Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.

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Deep dive

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.

TimeConditionTemp (°F)Snow (in)Rain (in)Humidity (%)Wind (mps)Wind dir
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Long-term outlook

15-day temperature & precipitation

Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks -- the upstream story that drives next week's flows.

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Regional flow

Regional streamflow levels

USGS streamgauges around Southeastern Boundary Of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area To Confluence With Bighorn River -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.

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 Southeastern Boundary Of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area To Confluence With Bighorn 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.

FAQ

About Southeastern Boundary Of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area To Confluence With Bighorn River

What's the optimal flow for Southeastern Boundary Of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area To Confluence With Bighorn 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.

More river runs

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