Headwaters, Sec. 34, T28n, R11w To Swift Reservoir river run
Headwaters, Sec. 34, T28n, R11w To Swift Reservoir
There are specific regulations in place for this area, including a mandatory permit system for all commercial outfitters operating on the river. Private boaters are also required to obtain a permit, which can be obtained from the Forest Service. Additionally, there are restrictions on camping and fires along the river, so it is essential to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash.
In summary, the Whitewater River Run from Headwaters to Swift Reservoir is a challenging and exciting section of river with a class rating of III-IV, covering roughly 10 miles. The ideal streamflow range is between 1,200-4,000 cfs, and there are numerous rapids and obstacles to navigate. It is important to follow specific regulations, including obtaining a permit and practicing Leave No Trace principles, while enjoying this beautiful section of Montana.
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 Headwaters, Sec. 34, T28n, R11w To Swift Reservoir -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Badger Cr Bl Four Horns Canal Nr Browning Mt | 292 cfs | → |
| Two Medicine River Bl South Fork Nr Browning Mt | 530 cfs | → |
| Teton River Bl South Fork Nr Choteau Mt | 167 cfs | → |
| Cut Bank Creek Near Browning Mt | 60 cfs | → |
| S F Flathead R Ab Twin C Nr Hungry Horse Mt | 4,220 cfs | → |
| North Fork Sun River Near Augusta Mt | 539 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.
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 Headwaters, Sec. 34, T28n, R11w To Swift Reservoir 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 Headwaters, Sec. 34, T28n, R11w To Swift Reservoir
What's the optimal flow for Headwaters, Sec. 34, T28n, R11w To Swift Reservoir?
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 Headwaters, Sec. 34, T28n, R11w To Swift Reservoir.