Clark Fork River rises to highest level in 10 years

“We haven’t seen flows this high in the last 10 years,” says Fisheries Biologist David Schmetterling who does a lot of his work on the river.

On a larger historical level, Schmetterling explains that the rivers aren’t that much higher than usual. However, for the past 10 years the area has been in a drought that has affected the Clark Fork until last year and this year, which brought a good-sized snow pack to feed the river in the spring.

On June 2, the river was at its peak gage height above 11.8 feet and discharging 58,000 cubic feet per second.

This rebound of the Clark Fork is happening despite a dry spring. It was only after several hot days in a row that the Clark Fork River rose drastically.

Schmetterling explains that cool weather will cause a gradual change to the river. This is compared to warm weather, which will elevate stream flows.

The high spring flow can be monitored both by the many U.S. Geological Surveys and the Noxon Dam. The desired reservoir level is between 2,030 feet and 2,031 feet. At this height Avista Utilities opens the spillgate.

They opened the spillgate this year on May 19, and according to Schmetterling it may be until early July that they can close it when high flows will relax to mid-summer levels.

In the meantime the FWP explains that there are several dangers to people looking to boat on the rivers during the early season.

“All area rivers are carrying an increased amount of logs, tree limbs and other debris, right now,” said Chet Crowser, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) Region 2 River Recreation Manager. “Some of the debris can be submerged beneath the surface of the water, so boaters need to be extra careful and attentive to river conditions.”

This situation changes on a day-to-day basis explains FWP. So, any boaters should not expect things to remain the same on the river as logs and other debris get washed down the river.

“Logs and other debris are a natural component of our waterways, and conditions change so fast that there is no way to know where all the current hazards are,” said Mack Long, FWP Region 2 Supervisor. “What we can do, however, is remind boaters to be aware of the increased risks and ways to stay safe this time of year.”

They also report that a fallen log the width of Rock Creek near river-mile 27 is creating a hazard for boaters.

FWP has four main pointers that will help anyone navigate dangerous rivers this spring. 

*    Don’t boat alone.

*    Make sure someone on shore knows where you plan to put in, take out, and when you plan to return.

*   If the water is in a stage you wouldn’t choose to swim in, then don’t launch your boat either.

*    If you do launch, wear a well-fitted life vest and—in rough waters—a helmet.