2025-12-06T17:00:00-07:00
...SERIES OF WINTER STORMS TO AFFECT THE MOUNTAINS AND PASSES THROUGH THE SATURDAY... .The first round of heavy snow is expected to last through early Friday morning and will primarily focus on the mountains of central and southwest Montana with 4 to 8 inches possible along the mountain passes including Bozeman and Kings Hill Pass. A period of lighter snowfall is expected Friday morning and afternoon. The second and more widespread round of heavier snowfall is expected to arrive Friday evening and continue into Saturday evening with an additional 6 to 12 inches possible over the passes and higher amounts above pass level. * WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Snowfall totals between 2 and 6 inches in the Big Hole Valley and between 8 and 15 inches at pass level. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Northwest Beaverhead County. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 5 PM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult and tire chains may be required for some vehicles. Those in the backcountry should ensure they are prepared for dangerous conditions. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
Summary
The ideal streamflow range for rafting on the Big Hole River is between 1,000 and 5,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). The river is rated as a class II-III river, meaning that it has moderate rapids and obstacles that require some skill to navigate. The segment of the river that is most commonly rafted is about 29 miles long and runs from the town of Wisdom to the town of Melrose. The river features several notable rapids, including the Notch, the Chute, and the Maiden Rock Rapid.
There are several regulations that apply to rafting on the Big Hole River. Rafters are required to wear personal flotation devices at all times while on the river. Additionally, commercial outfitters are required to obtain permits from the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks in order to operate on the river. Private boaters are not required to obtain permits, but are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles and to respect private property along the river.
River Run Details
| Last Updated | 2025-06-28 |
| River Levels | 4180 cfs (5.73 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 33% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | ii-iii |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 06025250 |
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Divide Bridge Campground
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Divide Bridge
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Maidenrock FAS
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Salmon Fly FAS
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Greenwood Bottoms FAS
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Canyon Creek Cabin
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Big Hole River