Paddle Report

Headwaters, Sec. 13, T18n, R10w To Forest Boundary, Sec. 6, T17n, R7w river run

Montana, USA Dearborn River Class III-IV
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
72%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Headwaters, Sec. 13, T18n, R10w To Forest Boundary, Sec. 6, T17n, R7w -- Montana paddle run
Headwaters, Sec. 13, T18n, R10w To Forest Boundary, Sec. 6, T17n, R7w Montana · Dearborn River
About this run

Headwaters, Sec. 13, T18n, R10w To Forest Boundary, Sec. 6, T17n, R7w

The Whitewater River Run, located in Montana, is a popular river for whitewater enthusiasts. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 1,000 and 5,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). It is classified as a Class III to IV run, meaning it is moderately difficult with moderate to high waves and rapids. The segment mileage of this run is approximately 15.5 miles, stretching from Headwaters, Sec. 13, T18N, R10W to Forest Boundary, Sec. 6, T17N, R7W.

There are specific river rapids and obstacles to be aware of on this run. One of the most challenging rapids is known as Hell's Half Mile, which is a Class IV rapid with large waves and a narrow chute. Other notable rapids include House Rock, The Maze, and Fang. It is important for paddlers to be experienced and skilled in navigating rapids and avoiding obstacles.

There are also specific regulations in place for this area. The use of motorized watercraft is not allowed, and all paddlers must wear a personal flotation device. Additionally, camping is only allowed in designated areas, and all fires must be contained within established fire rings. It is important for visitors to familiarize themselves with all regulations before embarking on their river trip.

StateMontana
RiverDearborn River
ClassIII-IV
Elevation3,966 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal72%
StreamgageUSGS 06082200
Latitude47.2637°
Longitude-112.5368°
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 Headwaters, Sec. 13, T18n, R10w To Forest Boundary, Sec. 6, T17n, R7w -- 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 Headwaters, Sec. 13, T18n, R10w To Forest Boundary, Sec. 6, T17n, R7w 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 Headwaters, Sec. 13, T18n, R10w To Forest Boundary, Sec. 6, T17n, R7w

What's the optimal flow for Headwaters, Sec. 13, T18n, R10w To Forest Boundary, Sec. 6, T17n, R7w?

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.