Paddle Report

Gallatin Forest Boundary, Sec. 32, T7s, R7e To Yellowstone National Park, Sec. 23, T9s, R8e river run

Montana, USA Yellowstone River Class II-IV
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
61%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Gallatin Forest Boundary, Sec. 32, T7s, R7e To Yellowstone National Park, Sec. 23, T9s, R8e -- Montana paddle run
Gallatin Forest Boundary, Sec. 32, T7s, R7e To Yellowstone National Park, Sec. 23, T9s, R8e Montana · Yellowstone River
About this run

Gallatin Forest Boundary, Sec. 32, T7s, R7e To Yellowstone National Park, Sec. 23, T9s, R8e

The Gallatin River is a popular whitewater destination in Montana, running from its headwaters in the Gallatin Range to its confluence with the Madison River. The section between the Gallatin Forest Boundary in Sec. 32, T7S, R7E and Yellowstone National Park in Sec. 23, T9S, R8E is a challenging and scenic 30-mile stretch that is rated as Class II-IV, depending on the water levels.

The ideal streamflow range for this section is between 1,000 and 5,000 cfs, which typically occurs during the spring snowmelt and after significant rainfall. The river rapids and obstacles include the House Rock, Screaming Left Turn, Mad Mile, and the notorious House Rock Rapid. These features provide a thrilling ride for experienced paddlers, but can be dangerous for novice kayakers or rafters.

There are specific regulations to the area, including a limit on the number of commercial outfitters and a prohibition on alcohol consumption while on the river. It is also important to note that the river flows through private land, so respect for property rights and responsible behavior are essential.

StateMontana
RiverYellowstone River
ClassII-IV
Elevation5,094 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal61%
StreamgageUSGS 06191500
Latitude45.1907°
Longitude-110.8991°
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 Gallatin Forest Boundary, Sec. 32, T7s, R7e To Yellowstone National Park, Sec. 23, T9s, R8e -- 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 Gallatin Forest Boundary, Sec. 32, T7s, R7e To Yellowstone National Park, Sec. 23, T9s, R8e 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 Gallatin Forest Boundary, Sec. 32, T7s, R7e To Yellowstone National Park, Sec. 23, T9s, R8e

What's the optimal flow for Gallatin Forest Boundary, Sec. 32, T7s, R7e To Yellowstone National Park, Sec. 23, T9s, R8e?

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 Gallatin Forest Boundary, Sec. 32, T7s, R7e To Yellowstone National Park, Sec. 23, T9s, R8e.