Paddle Report

Willow Creek, Sec. 32, T24n, R29w To Noxon Reservoir, Sec. 14, T24n, R31w river run

Montana, USA Vermilion River Class II-III
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
42%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Willow Creek, Sec. 32, T24n, R29w To Noxon Reservoir, Sec. 14, T24n, R31w -- Montana paddle run
Willow Creek, Sec. 32, T24n, R29w To Noxon Reservoir, Sec. 14, T24n, R31w Montana · Vermilion River
About this run

Willow Creek, Sec. 32, T24n, R29w To Noxon Reservoir, Sec. 14, T24n, R31w

The Willow Creek to Noxon Reservoir Whitewater River Run is a popular 30-mile long segment in Montana. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 1,200 to 3,000 cfs. The segment is rated as Class II-III, making it suitable for intermediate and experienced paddlers.

The run starts at Willow Creek in Section 32, T24N, R29W and ends at Noxon Reservoir in Section 14, T24N, R31W. The river is characterized by rapids, including Lightning Bolt, Fang, and the Devil’s Toenail. These rapids are challenging and require experienced paddlers to navigate safely.

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks manages the Noxon Rapids Reservoir. The reservoir has specific regulations for anglers and boaters, including mandatory boat inspections for aquatic invasive species. The Noxon Reservoir also has designated areas for camping and boating.

In conclusion, the Willow Creek to Noxon Reservoir Whitewater River Run is a thrilling experience suitable for intermediate and experienced paddlers. It is essential to check the streamflow range before embarking on the trip and abide by the specific regulations set out by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.
StateMontana
RiverVermilion River
ClassII-III
Elevation2,424 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal42%
StreamgageUSGS 12390700
Latitude47.8330°
Longitude-115.5352°
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 Willow Creek, Sec. 32, T24n, R29w To Noxon Reservoir, Sec. 14, T24n, R31w -- 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 Willow Creek, Sec. 32, T24n, R29w To Noxon Reservoir, Sec. 14, T24n, R31w 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 Willow Creek, Sec. 32, T24n, R29w To Noxon Reservoir, Sec. 14, T24n, R31w

What's the optimal flow for Willow Creek, Sec. 32, T24n, R29w To Noxon Reservoir, Sec. 14, T24n, R31w?

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.