Paddle Report

Snowbank Lake, Sec. 4, T15n, R8w To Landers Fork Blackfoot River, Sec. 36, T15n, R8w river run

Montana, USA Copper Creek Class II-III
Today high
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Tonight low
--
Current flow
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% of normal
26%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Snowbank Lake, Sec. 4, T15n, R8w To Landers Fork Blackfoot River, Sec. 36, T15n, R8w -- Montana paddle run
Snowbank Lake, Sec. 4, T15n, R8w To Landers Fork Blackfoot River, Sec. 36, T15n, R8w Montana · Copper Creek
About this run

Snowbank Lake, Sec. 4, T15n, R8w To Landers Fork Blackfoot River, Sec. 36, T15n, R8w

The Snowbank Lake to Landers Fork Blackfoot River run is a popular whitewater destination in Montana with an ideal streamflow range of 800-3000 cfs. This section of the river is rated as Class II-III, making it suitable for intermediate paddlers. The segment distance is approximately 10 miles with several river rapids and obstacles including Snowbank Falls, which is a Class III rapid that requires careful maneuvering to avoid rocks and other hazards. Other rapids include Artillery Creek, which is a Class II rapid that requires some maneuvering around rocks, and Landers Fork, which is a Class III rapid with challenging waves and drops.

Specific regulations to the area include a permit requirements for commercial outfitters, and boaters are required to carry a personal flotation device and a sound-producing device. The river is closed to motorized boats, and camping is only allowed in designated areas. The Snowbank Lake to Landers Fork Blackfoot River run offers beautiful scenery with challenging rapids and is a popular destination for a great whitewater adventure.
StateMontana
RiverCopper Creek
ClassII-III
Elevation4,639 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal26%
StreamgageUSGS 12335500
Latitude47.0093°
Longitude-112.5578°
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 Snowbank Lake, Sec. 4, T15n, R8w To Landers Fork Blackfoot River, Sec. 36, T15n, R8w -- 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 Snowbank Lake, Sec. 4, T15n, R8w To Landers Fork Blackfoot River, Sec. 36, T15n, R8w 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 Snowbank Lake, Sec. 4, T15n, R8w To Landers Fork Blackfoot River, Sec. 36, T15n, R8w

What's the optimal flow for Snowbank Lake, Sec. 4, T15n, R8w To Landers Fork Blackfoot River, Sec. 36, T15n, R8w?

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.

More river runs

Other runs near here

Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of Snowbank Lake, Sec. 4, T15n, R8w To Landers Fork Blackfoot River, Sec. 36, T15n, R8w.