...ATMOSPHERIC RIVER TO BRING SIGNIFICANT MOUNTAIN SNOW... .A plume of subtropical moisture associated with an atmospheric river will bring significant mountain snow Thursday into Friday. Snow levels will rise above 5,000 feet Thursday night before quickly dropping Friday morning as strong cold front passes. The heaviest snow accumulations will impact higher elevations above 6,000 feet, especially across the Clearwater and Bitterroot Mountains. * WHAT...Heavy snow expected. There is a likelihood of major winter weather impacts to isolated extreme winter storm impacts. Total snow accumulations between 8 to 14 inches for Lolo Pass and 16 to 24 inches for Lost Trail Pass. Winds gusting between 35 and 45 mph. * WHERE...Lolo Pass and Highway 93 Sula to Lost Trail Pass. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 5 PM MST Friday. * IMPACTS...For MAJOR winter weather impacts, expect considerable disruptions to normal activities. Dangerous or impossible traveling conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes, especially over higher passes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches, leading to power outages. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow will briefly change over to rain at Lolo Pass Thursday night, before switching back to snow early Friday morning. For Lost Trail Pass, snowfall rates will exceed one inch per hour for several hours Thursday night into Friday morning.
This 6-mile segment is rated as a class III+ run with some challenging rapids and obstacles along the way. The ideal streamflow range for this segment is between 500 and 1,500 cfs.
Some of the notable rapids and obstacles in this section of the river include the Punchbowl, a large hole that can be difficult to navigate, and the entrance to the Narrows, a tight and technical section of the river. Paddlers should be aware of strainers and sweepers along the way, which can be dangerous at high water levels.
In terms of regulations, paddlers should obtain a Montana fishing license if they plan to fish on the river. There are no specific regulations for whitewater paddling, but it is always important to practice Leave No Trace principles and respect private property along the riverbanks.
| Last Updated | 2025-11-05 |
| River Levels | 3870 cfs (7.82 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 80% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii+ |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 12350250 |
Bitterroot River At Bell Crossing Nr Victor Mt
|
670cfs |
Bitterroot River Near Missoula Mt
|
4100cfs |
Clark Fork Below Missoula Mt
|
6640cfs |
Clark Fork Above Missoula Mt
|
3290cfs |
Clark Fork At Turah Bridge Nr Bonner Mt
|
1110cfs |
Rock Creek Near Clinton Mt
|
508cfs |