Winter Weather Advisory
2025-12-22T11:00:00-07:00

* WHAT...Snow. There is a likelihood of developing or ongoing minor to moderate winter weather impacts. Snow accumulations between 1 and 4 inches, except between 4 and 8 inches in the mountains. * WHERE...Bad Rock Canyon, Marias Pass, Essex, Glacier National Park, Polebridge, and Highway 83 Bigfork to Swan Lake. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 11 AM MST Monday. * IMPACTS...For MINOR winter weather impacts, expect a few inconveniences to normal activities. Use caution while driving. For MODERATE winter weather impacts, expect disruptions to normal activities. Use extra caution while driving. The Monday morning commute could be affected, especially over higher passes. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Watch out for black ice during the night. Take it slow, especially around curves. Westerly winds will increase overnight, gusting between 35 and 45 mph at Marias Pass.

Bear Creek To Essex Paddle Report

Paddle Report

Montana

Last Updated: 2023-06-13

The Bear Creek to Essex River run in Montana is best suited for experienced rafters due to the challenging Class III and IV rapids.

°F

mph

Wind

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Humidity

Summary

The river offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forest, but requires careful navigation around rocks and tight turns. The best time to float this section of water is in late spring or early summer, when water levels are high and the rapids are at their most thrilling. Recommended flow levels range from 800 to 1800 cfs. Rafters should be prepared for the possibility of cold water and strong currents, and should wear appropriate gear and safety equipment.

River Run Details

Last Updated	2023-06-13
River Levels	445 cfs (4.83 ft)
Percent of Normal	47%
Optimal Range	1000-10000 cfs
Status	Too Low
Class Level	II to III+
Elevation	3,586 ft
Run Length	4.7 Mi
Gradient	25 FPM
Streamflow Discharge	361 cfs
Gauge Height	4.7 ft
Reporting Streamgage	USGS 12359800

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Winter Weather Advisory
Until 2025-12-22T11:00:00-07:00 • National Weather Service
* WHAT...Snow. There is a likelihood of developing or ongoing minor to moderate winter weather impacts. Snow accumulations between 1 and 4 inches, except between 4 and 8 inches in the mountains. * WHERE...Bad Rock Canyon, Marias Pass, Essex, Glacier National Park, Polebridge, and Highway 83 Bigfork to Swan Lake. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 11 AM MST Monday. * IMPACTS...For MINOR winter weather impacts, expect a few inconveniences to normal activities. Use caution while driving. For MODERATE winter weather impacts, expect disruptions to normal activities. Use extra caution while driving. The Monday morning commute could be affected, especially over higher passes. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Watch out for black ice during the night. Take it slow, especially around curves. Westerly winds will increase overnight, gusting between 35 and 45 mph at Marias Pass.

BEAR CREEK TO ESSEX

Paddle Report • Streamflow Levels • Weather Forecast

December 22, 2025

Last Updated	2023-06-13
River Levels	445 cfs (4.83 ft)
Percent of Normal	47%
Optimal Range	1000-10000 cfs
Status	Too Low
Class Level	II to III+
Elevation	3,586 ft
Run Length	4.7 Mi
Gradient	25 FPM
Streamflow Discharge	361 cfs
Gauge Height	4.7 ft
Reporting Streamgage	S F Flathead R Ab Twin C Nr Hungry Horse Mt USGS 12359800

Realtime River Levels

S F Flathead R Ab Twin C Nr Hungry Horse Mt
USGS 12359800

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Weather Forecast

Nearby Streamflow Levels

S F Flathead R Ab Twin C Nr Hungry Horse Mt 361.0cfs	361cfs
S F Flathead River Nr Columbia Falls Mt 5850.0cfs	5850cfs
Swan River Near Bigfork Mt 2730.0cfs	2730cfs
Middle Fork Flathead River Nr West Glacier Mt 6660.0cfs	6660cfs
Two Medicine River Bl South Fork Nr Browning Mt 740.0cfs	740cfs
Flathead River At Columbia Falls Mt 17900.0cfs	17900cfs