Paddle Report

Trail #47 And #50, Sec. 5, T36n, R15e To Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Boundary, Sec. 36, T36n, R15e river run

Montana, USA White Sand Creek Class II-III
Today high
--
Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
48%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Trail #47 And #50, Sec. 5, T36n, R15e To Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Boundary, Sec. 36, T36n, R15e -- Montana paddle run
Trail #47 And #50, Sec. 5, T36n, R15e To Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Boundary, Sec. 36, T36n, R15e Montana · White Sand Creek
About this run

Trail #47 And #50, Sec. 5, T36n, R15e To Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Boundary, Sec. 36, T36n, R15e

The Whitewater River Run Trail #47 and #50 is a popular river trail in Montana that begins in Section 5, T36N, R15E and ends at the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Boundary in Section 36, T36N, R15E. The ideal streamflow range for this trail is generally between 500 and 1,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), with higher flows in early summer due to snowmelt.

This river trail is rated as Class II-III, making it suitable for intermediate to experienced paddlers. The segment mileage is approximately 15 miles, with several challenging rapids and obstacles along the way. Some of the notable rapids include Big Eddy, S-Turn, and Double Drop.

It is important to note that there are specific regulations in place for this area. The use of motorized boats is prohibited, and all watercraft must be carried around the Selway Falls. Additionally, visitors are required to obtain a permit from the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Ranger Station before entering the wilderness area.

Overall, the Whitewater River Run Trail #47 and #50 offers a thrilling and scenic river experience for those who are properly equipped and prepared. It is important to check current streamflow conditions and comply with all regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
StateMontana
RiverWhite Sand Creek
ClassII-III
Elevation3,328 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal48%
StreamgageUSGS 12350250
Latitude46.4932°
Longitude-114.6139°
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 Trail #47 And #50, Sec. 5, T36n, R15e To Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Boundary, Sec. 36, T36n, R15e -- 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 Trail #47 And #50, Sec. 5, T36n, R15e To Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Boundary, Sec. 36, T36n, R15e 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 Trail #47 And #50, Sec. 5, T36n, R15e To Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Boundary, Sec. 36, T36n, R15e

What's the optimal flow for Trail #47 And #50, Sec. 5, T36n, R15e To Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Boundary, Sec. 36, T36n, R15e?

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.