Cooney Cr Headwaters, Sec. 17, T19n, R9w To Mainstem, Sec. 1, T17n, R10w river run
Cooney Cr Headwaters, Sec. 17, T19n, R9w To Mainstem, Sec. 1, T17n, R10w
The segment mileage for this run is approximately 14 miles, with several notable rapids and obstacles along the way. The first significant rapid is called "The Notch," which requires precise maneuvering to navigate safely. Other notable rapids include "S-Turn," "Boxcar," and "Jaws." These rapids can be challenging, particularly at higher streamflows.
There are specific regulations in place for the Cooney Creek Headwaters to Mainstem run, including a permit requirement for commercial outfitters and a ban on camping within 300 feet of the river. Additionally, boaters are required to carry a Type III Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and a whistle, and motorized watercraft are not permitted on this section of the river.
Overall, the Cooney Creek Headwaters to Mainstem run on the Whitewater River in Montana offers a thrilling and challenging experience for experienced whitewater paddlers. However, it's important to check current streamflow conditions and adhere to all regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
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.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
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.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks -- the upstream story that drives next week's flows.
Regional streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Cooney Cr Headwaters, Sec. 17, T19n, R9w To Mainstem, Sec. 1, T17n, R10w -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Nf Blackfoot R Ab Dry Gulch Nr Ovando Mt | 999 cfs | → |
| Blackfoot R Ab Nevada Cr Nr Helmville Mt | 885 cfs | → |
| Sun River Bl Diversion Dam Nr Augusta Mt | 1,190 cfs | → |
| South Fork Sun River Near Augusta Mt | 674 cfs | → |
| North Fork Sun River Near Augusta Mt | 610 cfs | → |
| Sun River Bl Willow Cr Nr Augusta Mt | 1,130 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest boat launches, other paddle runs, and campgrounds so a day on the water can grow into a full weekend.
Other river runs
- Dobrota Headwaters, Sec. 23, T18n, R10w To Mainstem, Sec. 31, T18n, R9w
- Dry Fork Headwaters, Sec. 30, T17n, R10w To Mainstem, Sec. 30, T17n, R10w
- Cabin Creek Headwaters, Sec. 13, T17n, R10w To Dry Fork, Sec. 13, T17n, R11w
- Canyon Creek Headwaters, Sec. 28, T17n, R11w To Dry Creek, Sec. 11, T17n, R11w
- Headwaters, Sec. 15, T18n, R10w To Straight Creek, Sec. 25, T19n, R10w
Campgrounds
- Double Falls Campground
- Wood Lake
- Wood Lake Campground
- Big Nelson Complex
- Big Nelson Campground
- Copper Creek
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 Cooney Cr Headwaters, Sec. 17, T19n, R9w To Mainstem, Sec. 1, T17n, R10w 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.
About Cooney Cr Headwaters, Sec. 17, T19n, R9w To Mainstem, Sec. 1, T17n, R10w
What's the optimal flow for Cooney Cr Headwaters, Sec. 17, T19n, R9w To Mainstem, Sec. 1, T17n, R10w?
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.
Other runs near here
Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of Cooney Cr Headwaters, Sec. 17, T19n, R9w To Mainstem, Sec. 1, T17n, R10w.