Paddle Report

Cuttoff, Sec. 9, T18n, R27w To Sec. 34, T19n, R25w river run

Montana, USA Clark Fork Class III-IV
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
78%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Cuttoff, Sec. 9, T18n, R27w To Sec. 34, T19n, R25w -- Montana paddle run
Cuttoff, Sec. 9, T18n, R27w To Sec. 34, T19n, R25w Montana · Clark Fork
About this run

Cuttoff, Sec. 9, T18n, R27w To Sec. 34, T19n, R25w

The Whitewater River Run Cuttoff is a popular rafting location in the state of Montana. The ideal streamflow range for this section of the river is between 1,200 and 3,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). This section of the river is rated as Class III, with some Class IV sections, and covers a segment mileage of approximately 28 miles from Section 9, T18N, R27W to Section 34, T19N, R25W.

The river rapids and obstacles include "The Notch," a steep, narrow chute that requires expert maneuvering, and "The Jaws," a series of large boulders that create a challenging rapid. Other notable rapids include "Boulder Garden," "Kitchen Sink," and "Screaming Left Turn."

There are specific regulations for this area, including a requirement for all boaters to wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) at all times. Additionally, all boaters must carry a sound-producing device and a spare paddle. Camping is allowed along the river, but fires are prohibited. It is essential to obtain a permit before camping. The area is also subject to seasonal closures and restrictions due to weather and water conditions.

Overall, the Whitewater River Run Cuttoff offers a thrilling and challenging rafting experience for experienced boaters. It is essential to be aware of the specific regulations and to check current streamflow conditions before embarking on a trip down this section of the river.
StateMontana
RiverClark Fork
ClassIII-IV
Elevation2,456 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal78%
StreamgageUSGS 12389000
Latitude47.3656°
Longitude-114.7773°
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 Cuttoff, Sec. 9, T18n, R27w To Sec. 34, T19n, R25w -- 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 Cuttoff, Sec. 9, T18n, R27w To Sec. 34, T19n, R25w 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 Cuttoff, Sec. 9, T18n, R27w To Sec. 34, T19n, R25w

What's the optimal flow for Cuttoff, Sec. 9, T18n, R27w To Sec. 34, T19n, R25w?

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.